#THAIND Talking Points: Anirudh Thapa, Vinit Rai, Amarjit Singh Kiyam - A future midfield trident for India?

Talisman Sunil Chhetri was absent from the lineup, Sandesh Jhingan wore the captain's armband.

India finished off their King's Cup campaign with a narrow win over Thailand. Comeback king Anirudh Thapa capped off his return to the Blue Tigers' starting XI with an instinctive goal in the 17th minute.

The hosts pressed hard and troubled India's backline and Amrinder Singh plenty of times, but lack of confidence in front of goal cost them the game. New tactician Igor Stimac will be travelling back to India with a smile, as his men are finally adapting to his philosophy.

The win notches a third-place position in this tournament for the SAFF nation. Meanwhile, Curacao and Vietnam will battle it out for the title.

Here are the talking points from the match:

5. Adil Khan could be the right man to fill the boots of Anas Edathodika

The 30-year-old put in an amazing performance, partnering Jhingan

The 32-year-old's international retirement has left a void in India's backline. The match against Curacao proved that Mr Versatile – Rahul Bheke – is not the right man for the job. The Bengaluru man was shaky and his partnership with Sandesh Jhingan looked poor.

Up stepped Adil Khan, a man who last played for the national team in 2012. The former Sporting Goa player lived up to his billing and put in a top-notch performance. On the back of a much-improved domestic season with Pune City, Khan provides Stimac with a lot of tactical flexibility. In this match, we saw him pair up with Jhingan at the heart of the defence, but he is an able destroyer too.

Providing a brilliant assist to Thapa in the first half, the former Lonestar Kashmir man put in a few crucial blocks and interceptions too. Khan's performance has surely booked him a place in Stimac's starting XI for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup.

4. Igor Stimac is a man of his word and is building squad depth in the national team

The 1998 World Cup bronze medallist had promised all his players a chance in this competition and guess what, he is a man of his word. If the lineup against Curacao surprised us all, then the starting XI against the War Elephants could never have been predicted.

Against Thailand, Amrinder Singh, Khan, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Thapa, Vinit Rai, Raynier Fernandes, Balwant Singh, and Farukh Choudhary received starts. The only regulars were Jhingan and Subhasish Bose. Meanwhile, Sunil Chhetri and Co. were on the bench. The second half also saw the arrivals of Jackichand Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Manvir Singh.

I'm proud of the players - Igor Stimac | #THAIND Post Match Conference

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The Croatian is attempting to build a generation of Indian players, although it is a little early to use the word 'golden.' With that he is building a roster of players, who are receiving adequate international experience, so that nerves don't affect the team when up against much more fancied opponents, as was seen during the AFC Asian Cup.

3. Jobby Justin's inclusion could have been a good thing for India

Justin was called up for the national  camp, but missed out on the 23-man squad

Against Curacao, India's attempts at goal were toothless, which continued against Thailand too. There were certain moments in the game, when Stimac's men could have done better; like the moment when Choudhary was one-on-one against the opposition goalkeeper, but preferred to lay off a failed pass.

In the previous fixture too, Chhetri's attempts didn't really challenge Eloy Room. However, the Bengaluru man is still India's best player and should play a deeper role considering his vast experience and knowledge of the game. Jobby Justin's inclusion could have bought more goals for India. The 25-year-old is a natural goalscorer and has a penchant for goals. Analyzing the chances created in both games, Justin could at least have scored twice, given his pedigree.

2. Rahul Bheke still needs time in national colours and will face stiff competition from other Indian right-backs

Bheke was disastrous against Curacao and had a shambolic 45-minutes against Thailand. But, he grew into the game after the interval and finally showed signs of his talent. Slotted as a right-back, the former Mumbai FC man was trumped plenty of times by his opponents, but improved after half-time.

It is quite evident nerves played a role in his display, but he still has plenty of time to prove his worth and will face stiff competition from a lot of young right-backs in the country.

1. Anirudh Thapa, Vinit Rai, Amarjit Singh Kiyam - A future midfield trident for India?

Stimac has tweaked his midfield combination a lot since he kick-started his era against Curacao. Against the Dutch Caribbean island nation, Pronay Halder, Sahal Abdul Samad and Brandon Fernandes were given the dictating responsibilities. After the interval came in Fernandes and Amarjit Singh; the duo had a massive impact on the game, with their new head coach pointing out that Singh had an amazing cameo and changed the match.

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Against Thailand, the former Derby County player started Thapa, Vinit Rai and Kiyam as a midfield trident. The trio were at their industrious best, with a never-ending work-rate and energy. Delhi Dynamos' Rai protected India's backline well, Kiyam dictated the play and won duels, while Thapa led the creative force.

The trio have the talent and credentials to form a possible midfield trident for India in the foreseeable future.