India U23 vs Bahrain U23 player ratings: Suhail, Pramveer make headlines in impressive team effort

India brushed aside Bahrain in a comprehensive 2-0 win.

The Indian U23 football team have made a great start to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Blue Colts have registered a remarkable 2-0 victory over Bahrain in the opening qualifying fixture. Naushad Moosa’s boys dominated the proceedings throughout the match and ended the game in fashion.

It was a collective team effort with some players doing the headline act for India. This talented side produced a masterclass to gain three crucial points. In this article, we will look into the individual performances and rate them.

Also Read: India kick off AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a stellar win over Bahrain

India Player Ratings

Sahil (8/10)

The biggest positive for Sahil would be the clean sheet that he has kept. The Indian custodian did look nervous at the start, but as the match progressed, he grew in confidence. His distribution was impressive. The decision-making helped India defend their fort. Whenever required, he made some solid punches averting the danger.

Ricky (7.5/10)

Ricky Meetei had an impactful game in the right-back position. He was under the pump but dealt with the pressure calmly. Later in the match, he also advanced into the forward areas and made some blazing overlapping runs. His crosses created chaos in Bahrain’s final third, and not just that, he was solid in the defense as well.

Bikash (8/10)

India’s captain played an instrumental role in the game with a solid defensive performance. He was the rock at the back and played as the last man standing in the defense. His physical strength shone in the game, and India would want their captain to continue this form in the next game.

Pramveer (8/10)

Pramveer was one of the best performers for India on Wednesday night. He was electric in his recovery and was miles ahead of his opponents in terms of pace. The Indian centre-back was aggressive in his defending and anticipated the movement of the opposition players. He also played some delicious diagonals, initiating the attack for India.

Harsh Palande (8/10)

Harsh Palande was not the first choice left-back for Naushad Moosa. But he made his way into the team through a trial and showed his class against Bahrain. The FC Goa player started confidently and remained on top of his game throughout the match. He was dominant in the air and won several headers. Palande also showed his versatility as he came into the midfield as well to give a numerical superiority to India.

Hnamte (7.5/10)

Hnamte was a key figure for the Blue Colts. He played the role of a box-to-box midfielder to great effect. The 22-year-old midfielder made some great tackles to fizzle out the opposition attack. Hnamte’s presence made sure India were not caught off guard at any point.

Fanai (8.5/10)

Lalremtluanga Fanai was a calm customer in the midfield for India. He was excellent in shielding the defense and neutralized the attack through the central channel. His passing was immaculate, which helped India gain control of the proceedings. Apart from controlling the centre of the park, he was also key in starting the attacking buildup on some occasions.

Macarton Louis Nickson (8/10)

Macarton Louis Nickson was India’s main man in terms of creating chances. His passing created havoc in Bahrain’s half. Macarton was press-proof in the midfield and used his physicality to his advantage. Going ahead in the tournament he will be instrumental for India’s chances.

Suhail (9.5/10)

Muhammed Suhail is India’s man of the moment. His performance against has turned many heads. It is not just the goal that has made headlines, but his sheer presence on the right wing was a treat to watch. He proved to be a nightmare for Bahrain’s left-back. If Suhail remains fit, he would be the creator in chief for the Blue Colts.

Sanan (8/10)

Mohammad Sanan was on a roll on the left wing for India. He was unlucky not to score a goal. In the 27th minute, he scored a goal with finesse but was adjudged offside. Had that goal been counted, Sanan would have looked more deadly. The Jamshedpur FC winger was a menace for the opposition full-back. He also contributed to the defense by tracking back and adding another head in the defense.

Parthib Gogoi (7/10)

Parthib Gogoi is a project in progress in the striker’s role. That is not his natural position, but he adapted well. His combined hold-up play was impressive and brought other players into the game. Finishing is an area of improvement that he would work upon, but there is no doubt that he will play a crucial role for India in this qualifying campaign.

Substitutes

Shivaldo Singh (8/10)

Shivaldo Singh scored the second goal for India and completed a historic victory. His impact stay on the pitch made sure India earn all three points from the game.

Mohammad Aimen (7/10)

Aimen came off the bench and created some outstanding chances. He also took a great shot that was saved by the keeper. The jersey No.7 would take positives from this game moving ahead.

Sreekuttan (7/10)

Sreekuttan was the creator of the second goal which was ultimately converted by Shivaldo Singh. Sreekuttan had an impressive game as a substitute and can be looked at in the next matches.

Sahil Harijan (7/10)

Sahil Harijan looked dangerous in some instances, mostly moving inside through the wings. Naushad Moosa will be impressed by the shift that Sahil put in the last few minutes.

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