The league season in Indian football has come to a halt as the Blue Tigers start their preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2023 starting from the 12th January with the Indian football team in action on the 2nd day of the tournament facing off against the mighty Australia football team in their opening match of the tournament.
The Indian football team, led by head coach Igor Stimac and captain Sunil Chhetri, has been grouped in probably one of the most difficult group in the tournament. India have been placed in Group B in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. Team India plays Australia on the 13th of January and then plays against Uzbekistan and Syria on the 18th January and 23rd January respectively.
The Indian team final squad is soon to be announced by the head coach of the team Igor Stimac. But there is a huge selection dilemma for the boss as several of the key players have been ruled out due to injury. One of those players is Kerala Blasters' defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh. Singh has been away from club football for some time now. He was a key player to the way the Indian football team plays. Jeakson had the role to link the defense with the attack and his absence is certain to be a big miss for the Blue Tigers. Today in this article, we take a look at 3 players who could potentially play the same role as Jeakson Singh for the Indian team in the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
Apuia
Mumbai City FC midfielder Apuia Lalengmawia could very well play the same role as Jeakson Singh. Apuia is very comfortable on the ball and is a very good passer of the ball. Apuia has been somewhat playing the role of a deep lying playmaker for Mumbai City FC, whose duty is similar to of anchor, that is what Jeakson Singh plays for the Indian football team. An added benefit with Apuia would be that he makes late runs towards the box and can score screamers from outside the box.
Suresh Singh Wangjam
Bengaluru FC's defensive midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam could be another player whom Igor Stimac can consider to step-up in place of Jeakson Singh. Suresh Singh has a very good natural fitness, thus can be an active wall in-front of the defense throughout the match. Suresh is probably not at the level of Apuia in terms of passing and playmaking, but is a very ball winner whom has excellent bravery to go into tackle against opposition player.
Puitea
The third player who could be considered for the Jeakson Singh role is Odisha FC's midfielder Puitea. Puitea is a very good midfielder and while he may not be playing the role of a link between defence and attack for Odisha FC in the presence of Ahmed Jahouh, he is a very good passer and blocker. Puitea is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and just like Apuia, makes late run towards the box and take some good long range shots.
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