Who is Irfan Yadwad? Indian football team's new call-up

Is Irfan Yadwad the long-term answer for India’s goalscoring woes?

Chennaiyin FC’s Irfan Yadwad has been a revelation in the 2024-25 season, having started every Indian Super League (ISL) game so far for the Marina Machans. Owing to his performances, the forward has also been called up to the national team camp for the upcoming game against Malaysia.

The 23-year-old has the physical strength to go along with the pace that he has been blessed with. Chennaiyin FC manager Owen Coyle has sung praises about Irfan’s efforts and the work that the player does for his side.

With a bright future in front of him, Here’s a look at Irfan Yadwad’s player profile.

Career

Having been born in Goa, the early years of Irfan’s career saw the player representing Sporting Clube de Goa and Panjim Footballers Club within his state. With Panjim FC, the forward won the Goa Police Cup 2021 and was also named the player of the tournament.

Following his wonderful start within his state, I-League 2 club Bengaluru United roped in Irfan Yadwad ahead of the 2022-23 season. The striker won the Stafford Cup 2023 with the southern club and scored an impressive 13 goals in 11 appearances that season.

ISL giants Chennaiyin FC were impressed with Irfan and hence signed the player before the 2023-24 season. With the Marina Machans, the forward has scored three goals in 31 appearances so far and has become one of the go-to players for coach Owen Coyle.

Playing Style

Irfan Yadwad’s preferred position is as a centre forward. The 23-year-old started and has played most of his career as a number nine. However, this has rarely been the case at his current club – Chennaiyin FC.

With the Marina Machans, Irfan is forced to play the left wing as Owen Coyle prefers playing his foreign center-forward options in the starting XI. While the youngster initially took time to adjust, the 23-year-old has since become a regular on the wings for CFC.

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As stated earlier, Irfan relies on his pace and physical strength when attacking the opposition’s goal. The forward’s best gameplay in the ISL came forth against Jamshedpur FC in the 204-25 season. Irfan scored a solo goal and provided two assists for his teammates as Chennaiyin FC won 5-1 on the night.

In an attacking sense, Irfan Yadwad is right-footed and is also good at heading the ball. In his 25 ISL appearances for CFC so far, Irfan has had a total of 28 shots and has created 14 chances for his teammates.

Future Potential

Chennaiyin FC might be the best club for Irfan Yadwad to develop as a striker. Since their inception, the Marina Machans have developed Jeje Lalpheklua, Balwant Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, and Farukh Chowdary to become better attackers. All of these players have received opportunities to play for the Indian national football team.

The Blue Tigers are looking for a long-term option in the centre forward position. Irfan Yadwad has certainly impressed the national team manager Manolo Marquez and so is in the preliminary squad for the game against Malaysia. If the 23-year-old takes his chances, he could secure his berth in the Indian team for years to come.

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