Player Ratings: Chhetri leads as India sink Chinese Taipei

by Intern June 1, 2018

Stephen Constantine’s men displayed attacking-intended, attractive football.

Indian Football fans couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Intercontinental Cup. The Blue Tigers started-off their Intercontinental Cup sojourn thrashing Chinese Taipei 5-0.

The highlight of the match was the hat-trick Indian skipper, Sunil Chhetri, scored. A fantabulous display from the entire team helped Chhetri register his hat-trick. Pronoy Halder and Udanta, too, had their names in the score-sheet.

As usual, Chhetri was their hero. However, debutants like Anirudh Thapa and Subhasish also displayed a remarkable performance that would help them retain their position in the upcoming matches, for sure.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at how the Indian players fared.

Gurpreet Sandhu -6

Was not tested much in the game. The sturdy defence upfront thwarted Chinese Taipei’s attack. Hence, had an idle day at the office. However, made a superb save at the end.

Subhasish – 7

A remarkable debut for Subhasish. A remarkable performance. Calm and effective in the left flank. Curbed many Chinese Taipei attempts away. Contributed little to the attack, too.

Anas Edathodika – 6

As the score-card suggests, India didn’t concede any goals. Anas Edathodika was strong at the back. Intercepting the balls perfectly, but looked a little bit indolent at times.

Sandesh Jhingan – 7

Tenacious and commanding at the back, Sandesh Jhingan dominated his opponents at the back. Was dominant in the aerial duels, as well as was great at intercepting the attacks.

Pritam Kotal – 6

A decent game for the Delhi Dynamos defender. Struggled at times, but did not look vulnerable for the opponents to exploit. Didn’t commit any major flaws.

Pronoy Halder – 8

That stunner! It was a magnificent goal. Controlled the midfield. Was calm and composed at the back. He did justice to the faith Stephen Constantine, who preferred him over MD Rafique and Borges, had in him. Really brilliant performance from Halder.

Anirudh Thapa – 9

Complete Class! Excellent! Marvellous! Young Thapa was a beauty to watch. A true threat to the opposition defence. Was impressive and dominant throughout. 2 pre-assists and an exhilarating assist are a testament to Thapa’s performance tonight.

Holicharan Narzary – 6

Had a decent game. Was impressive in the first-half, but missed few opportunities. He could’ve done better.

Udanta Kumam – 8

Excellent piece of a game from India’s Mr.Flash. He was absolutely brilliant for India. Created many opportunities. Scored a goal from a Halder assist. Was quite brilliant. Had the opponents at his toes.

Jeje Lalpekhlua – 8

India wouldn’t underestimate Jeje Lalpekhlua’s contributions. He made a string of impressive performances throughout for Chennaiyin, and the sea change was visible in his gameplay. He linked well with Chhetri and assisted him twice. Valiant show, Mizo Sniper!

Sunil Chhetri – 10

PERFECT! Chhetri scored a fantabulous hat-trick and led India thrashing Chinese Taipei. He couldn’t have a better game. Absolutely devastating Chhetri. India’s footballing legend. The hat-trick sees him equal David Villa’s 59 international goals. He is now just behind Crisitano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who’re first and second respectively. Sounds great, right?