Top five non-Indian players to watch out for at King's Cup 2019

The invitational will see some top talents taking the field for their respective nations.

The commencement of the 47th edition of the annual King’s Cup is at our doorstep. The tournament will be hosted by Thailand and will see countries like India, Curacao and the current AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 champions Vietnam join them.

While the focus will be on India’s march into a new era under their new head coach Igor Stimac, one cannot simply ignore the host of talent that will be representing the other countries. Thailand and Vietnam are heavyweights in Southeast Asian football, who have performed well in the recent AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 and AFC Asian Cup 2019. Curacao, on the other hand, have players who are plying their trade in European leagues and will bring a tough challenge to the fore.

We have compiled a list of the top five non-Indian players that need to be watched out for in the upcoming King’s Cup 2019.

5. Nguyen Anh Duc - Vietnam

The striker is a veteran among the Vietnam squad who has come out of retirement to help out his country in the tournament. The 33-year-old had announced his retirement from international duty after guiding his nation to the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 triumph, scoring four vital goals in the process.

Nguyen Anh Duc is one of the most important players for the Vietnamese side

Since his retirement, manager, Park Hang-seo has failed to fill the void upfront. Fellow strikers have struggled for form which has prompted Nguyen Anh Duc to again don the national colours. Vietnam fans will hope that the seasoned forward turns on the magic once again and helps his team win the tournament.

4. Adisak Kraisorn - Thailand

Adisak Kraisorn scored the most goals, eight in six appearances, in the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup and has a decent scoring record for the national side, scoring 12 times in 24 appearances. Him and captain Teerasil Dangda form a dangerous strike partnership for the War Elephants.

Watch: Adisak Kraisorn will be an integral part of Thailand in the King's Cup

However, with the ongoing fitness concerns regarding key players and the loss of Chanathip Songkrasin to injury, the sole responsibility of netting goals may fall on the 28-year-old. The Muangthong United forward has struggled for consistency in club football, but he is a different prospect when representing the national side. With home advantage on his side, Adisak might just be the player to watch out for.

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3. Cuco Martina - Curacao

The captain of the Curacao national team, Cuco Martina has Premier League experience under his belt, having featured for the likes of Southampton and Stoke City. The midfielder is currently playing for Dutch Eredivisie side, Feyenoord, on loan from Everton.

Martina will be one of the players to look out for at the King's Cup

His calmness on the ball in the heart of the midfield is on of his best assets and he possesses pinpoint accuracy with the distribution of the ball. He will be a menace for the Indian side, who will clash with Curacao in their opening tie of the tournament.

2. Teerasil Dangda - Thailand

The long-serving stalwart of the Thai game, Dangda is instrumental to their attacking football. The 30-year-old is nearing a century of appearances for the national side and despite nursing an ankle injury, the tactician has opted to select the forward for the upcoming King’s Cup, such is his influence.

Watch: Teerasil Dangda skills and tricks

The captain of the Thai team, Teerasil has scored 43 times for the War Elephants and will look to add to his tally in the push for the trophy. The hopes of the home crowd will be on his shoulders, as Thailand being the hosts will bring added pressure on the table.

1. Leandro Bacuna - Curacao

Another figure within the Curacao outfit that boasts European football on paper is the current Cardiff City player Leandro Bacuna, who has also featured for Aston Villa and Reading in his time in England. Although, he has suffered relegation with the Bluebirds, his Premier League experience will surely play it’s part at this level of competition.

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Bacuna will be a tough nut to crack for Indian forwards

The marauding full-back provides an extra attacking option down the flanks and can be a threat due to his pace and crosses into the box. India play Curacao in their opening match and the skipper of the Blue Tigers Sunil Chhetri, will have a tough time against the 27-year-old.