Achi news desk-
Changate, now 26, may have been in and out of the team since his debut as a teenager in 2015 but looks like the perfect candidate in the immediate future with ability to pace the wings, ball skills and technical ability. If Stimac uses a false nine – whereby a player has the freedom to deliver as well rather than simply lurk near the opposition box – the Mizoram man may be better suited to the role.
The AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year for 2022-2023, Changta has seen his stock rise in recent years, both at club and national level. From being a winger who threatened the opposition with attacks and starts to a player who inspired Mumbai City to defending ISL league winners last season with 10 goals and six assists, he has come a long way and should be more than ready to fill his role. The retiring legend.
Vikram Partap, who scored eight goals in the title-winning season, is 22 and better suited to the central striker role with his ability to press and wait for the loose ball to strike against tougher opposition. Another possible candidate is Rahim Ali of Chennaiyin FC, who on odd occasions has been the man to replace Chhetri on the pitch as a substitute. He is also the only Indian player to occasionally play as a center forward for his club.
Meanwhile, Sunil Chhetri’s plan to sign from Kolkata instead of the final match in Doha is understandable. This is the city where he took his first tentative steps in professional football, and met the love of his life while Salt Lake Stadium remains a place very close to his heart.
”Just come cheer us on like you always do. No matter how the local clubs perform in Kolkata, whenever the national team plays, they come in numbers and they excel. So just don’t be nervous. I know it’s a big game. Let’s enjoy it and hopefully we can all go away happy after the game,” he messaged the Kolkata fans.
During his long international career, Sunil Chhetri often took on the role of urging the fans to fill the stadium for the Indian team. This is the last time, and trust the local fans to oblige.
