Goal.com India Special: Which Players Should Have Been In The Indian Squad to Face Bayern Munich?

India are set to face Bayern Munich on 10^th January in a highly anticipated clash in Delhi, which shall be Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell game in national colours.

While Savio Medeira has announced his squad, Goal.com has a look at some of the players, who could have been on the pitch against Bayern Munich and not watching it on their television sets back home.

1) Lalkamal Bhowmick : In a country with a paucity of players comfortable on the ball, it remains a baffling fact for most of the seasoned football observers in India, as to how Lalkamal Bhowmick stays out from the national setup. A player with a sublime touch, good vision and a mean shot, the Prayag United midfielder should be a fixture in the Indian squad.

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2) Mehtab Hussain: The East Bengal captain is another player who might feel disappointed at not being part of the squad. While Savio Medeira might point out to his just recent return from injury and subsequent red-card against Salgaocar as a reason for his non-inclusion, the hard-tackling midfielder certainly would have added a sense of urgency in a midfield that has been noted for its lethargy lately.

3) Francis Fernandes: The 26 year old impressed on his debut against Malaysia with his touch and decision making alongwith his general wing play. However puzzlingly, he was omitted from the SAFF Championship squad, and even though the national team lacks top-class wingers, he has yet again been overlooked.

4) Arnab Mondal: Another position where India struggled during the SAFF Championship was at the centre of defence. With Mahesh Gawli having retired, Arnab Mondal might well have felt that he shall finally get a chance to play for the senior team. However the Prayag United stopper-back has not been selected.

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5) Sanju Pradhan: The midfielder has been an important part of Trevor Morgan’s efficient unit in the past one year and brings quality and versatility to the squad. His pace and work-rate would definitely have been an option worth having in the squad.

6) Lester Fernandes: Lester is another player who would add mobility and some ingenuity to India’s general gameplay. The Pune FC midfielder has been one of the consistent performers in the league since last season, and would add composure to any side he turns out for.

7) Manandeep Singh: It is well known that behind Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sunil Chhetri, India doesn’t really have any other potent option to lead the attack. So why Manandeep Singh, who has impressed as Air India’s focal point in attack this season, has been omitted is something hard to fathom for most of the ardent followers of Indian football.

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8) Khelemba Singh: Ever since Anwar Ali’s form faded, India has been on the look-out for a similar ruggedly built defender, who could compliment Gouramangi Moirangthem at the centre of India’s defence. During the SAFF Championship it was obvious that Mahesh Gawli and Gouramangi were not comfortable together, so it is hard to understand the wisdom behind the continuous omission of Khelemba, who has flourished alongside Luciano Sobrosa for Salgaocar. A no-nonsense and reliable player, the 23 year old definitely looks cut out for international football.

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9) Denzil Franco: Denzil Franco, who was recently named in Goal.com’s Indian Team Of The Year, must be scratching his head as to how a few others who aren't even a regular wing-backs are getting repeatedly selected ahead of him. A very sound defender who attacks with vigour, the Churchill man should not only be in the squad, but a definite starter.

10) Baljit Sahni: While Baljit Sahni did not impress on his last outing for India, the forward is definitely one of the few consistent Indian strikers in the league and should have been given another chance to prove his worth at the international stage, especially when a player like C.S Sabeeth, who has looked clueless in attack for Pailan Arrows has been selected ahead of him.

What are YOUR views on the Indian squad selected to play against Bayern Munich? Let us know YOUR opinion by commenting below....