AFC Asian Cup: Top five Indian players to cover most distance against Uzbekistan

These players covered a lot of ground against Uzbekistan and worked their socks off.

The Blue Tigers are currently in a perilous frame after suffering two consecutive defeats to Australia and Uzbekistan in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup. India are deep-seated in Group B at present and they will be taking on Syria in their final Group Stage clash on 23rd January 2024.

In stark contrast to their display against the Socceroos, India’s defensive play against Uzbekistan appeared weak. The Indian team performed below par in practically every area and lost 3-0, eliminating them from the equation for one of the top two automatic qualifying spots from Group B.

The Indian team this year is full of young players who are being developed to be explosive players on the field. Their work-rate was indicative of their energy and unwavering determination. In the second half of their game against Uzbekistan, the Blue Tigers did show signs of maturity in their defensive play. They made timely tackles, interceptions, and quick track-backs in the last quarter of the clash.

The Indian youngsters were instrumental in their pace and stamina throughout the game. While some soared in the flanks, some also had movements that have been coined ‘lethargic.’ Let’s have a look at the top five Indian players who covered the maximum distances in the Uzbekistan clash.

5. Suresh Singh Wangjam

Despite his physical attributes, Suresh’s performance was prone to errors and vulnerability. He was seen making runs and chasing the ball while the opposition countered. He covered a total of 10.4 KM in the game.

4. Nikhil Poojary

The Hyderabad FC winger ran up and down the pitch helping both the offence and defence. There was a large opening for Uzbekistan to enter from the right. Furthermore, he didn’t make the best decisions when the ball was at his feet. Even though his movements were slow and didn’t seem to be very effective, the player covered 11.07 KM throughout the time frame.

3. Naorem Mahesh Singh

One of the most important players in Indian football team right now is Naorem Mahesh Singh. The left winger is a talented player who can dribble the ball well and move quickly. He can be a real threat to the opposition. Naorem was left alone in the game against Uzbekistan because the majority of India’s attacks came from the right. His attempt to score was thwarted by the Uzbek goalkeeper too. The player covered 11.09 KM in the game.

2. Akash Mishra

Akash Mishra was seen flying on the left flank to support the attacking third and was also very efficient during track-backs. Throughout the game, he travelled a total of 11.2 KM, making sporadic runs down the left wing to establish attacks.

1. Apuia Ralte

With everything he had, the wonderkid from the Northeast played a respectable game. One of the most promising players in Indian football, Apuia is a defensive midfield dynamo. With his unwavering work ethic, he is unquestionably the next big thing in Indian football. He travelled the best distance on the field in the Uzbekistan match, an incredible 12.2 KM.

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