Top 5 players who could make it to the Indian squad for Asian Games 2018

The Asian Games 2018 are around the corner with just three months to go for the continental quadrennial affair.

With the domestic club football season coming to an end, the Indian National Team will be participating in a few competitions in the recent future. The Asian Games which is scheduled to be held from 18th August-2nd September will see a young Indian contingent, to battle it out for glory.

Since the first Asian Games in 1951, India won several accolades in the multi-sport tournament. However, since winning a Bronze medal in 1970, the blue tigers have not managed to do well in the tournament albeit participating in almost all the editions.

The tournament allows only U-23 players and three senior players- giving opportunities to the young stars to floweret, a rule that was implemented in the 2002 edition and is in effect since then.

It's a perfect opportunity for us to sort out five young players who could make it to the national squad for the Asian games.

Vishal Kaith (GK)

Born in Himachal Pradesh, the 6 ft 2in tall goalkeeper who started his career in Shillong Lajong. The promising young star was signed by ISL side FC Pune City in 2016 and plied his trade for the Stallions in the 2017-18 season as well. The 21-year-old was the first choice goalkeeper for the Ranco Popovic’s side where he emerged as one of the top custodians. Kaith’s presence under the bar in the Asian Games will surely bolster the defence of the Blue Tigers, helping them to win accolades in the process.

Vinit Rai

The 20-year-old Tata Football Academy (TFA) graduate impressed one and all, playing for Delhi Dynamos in ISL 17-18. One of the brightest young prospects in this year's ISL, Rai impressed fans and pundits alike with his vision and passing. The Delhi Dynamos midfielder has already made seven appearances for the Indian U-23 side and will certainly be a positive addition to the squad.

Anirudh Thapa

Chennayin FC secured the services of Anirudh Thapa which bolstered the team winning the ISL for the 2nd time. The 20-year old who plays as an attacking midfielder, came handy in quite a few occasions for his side this season. Eventually, Thapa has already made an appearance for the senior side and rated highly by the Indian captain Sunil Chhetri. This promising young lad has a lot to showcase in upcoming years. 

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Anwar Ali (Jr)

Beginning his career from Minerva Punjab Academy, Ali was selected to play for the Indian Arrows in the I-league 17-18. The 17-year-old central defender was on his toe in every single outing he made for the blues. Arguably, Anwar was the best Indian defender in the tournament who was absolutely on top of his game. Irrespective of his age, he showed enough legs to cement his place in the national squad for the Asian games.

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Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem

Representing India in the U-17 world cup and earning acknowledgements was not all for Dheeraj as he is already in link with Scottish Premier League side Motherwell FC. The 17-year-old was impressive in every way during the World Cup. Dheeraj had played every single minute available to him in the tournament and saved India from many open-play goals. This talented young star is surely someone to look at in the future and without any doubt deserves a place in the national squad for the Asian games 2018.