Top three new faces called up by Manolo Marquez ahead of Intercontinental Cup

The Intercontinental Cup will be the first test for Manolo Marquez.

The Indian football team will return to action in September as Hyderabad gears up to host the fourth edition of the Intercontinental Cup. The Blue Tigers will go up against Syria and Mauritius in the tri-nation tournament on September 3rd and 9th respectively. 

Ahead of the competition, Manolo Marquez released a list of 26 probables who will join the team for the preparatory camp in Hyderabad. 

After the sacking of Igor Stimac, the federation heard their fans and appointed Spanish manager Manolo Marquez as the new head coach of the national team.

It will be Manolo Marquez’s first assignment since taking the hot-seat at the national team and as expected, the Spaniard has called up a few new faces to the squad. A lot is being expected from Manolo Marquez and his team given the kind of reputation and results he brings to the table.

Let us take a look at the top three new faces that have been called up by Manolo Marquez.

3. Asish Rai

Asish Rai is one of the newly added faces to the camp. The right-back was one of the most discussed topics in Indian football after the appointment of Manolo Marquez and was expected to be an addition to the Indian football team.

The Mohun Bagan defender has shown great signs of hunger in the Indian top-flight and is expected to replicate the same in the blue threads.

ALSO READ: Top five players not included in Manolo Marquez’s first Indian squad

2. Lalthathanga Khawlhring

Puitea has finally been rewarded for all the hard work that he has put in over the years. The Odisha FC midfield maestro has earned his national team call-up after failing to earn a call-up under former manager Igor Stimac.

The 26-year-old has been a vital cog in Odisha FC’s resurgence under Sergio Lobera. His attack-minded style of play coupled with his never-say-die attitude and excellent work-rate could make him an interesting addition to the squad. Moreover, he is known for his ball-playing abilities.

1. Kiyan Nassiri 

Kiyan is one of the most talented young players in the country currently. He has shown glimpses of what he brings to the table during his stay with Bagan. The 23-year-old has big shoes to fill after the departure of India’s most decorated footballer Sunil Chhetri.

Kiyan is known for his debut hat-trick against arch-rivals East Bengal in the iconic Kolkata Derby, wherein he came on and turned the game on its head. The young gun has a lot of potential, but it remains to be seen if he can deliver on the pitch.

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