Hockey: From Princedeep to Arshdeep, four players from Junior World Cup who can push for places in senior India squad

Priyobarta Talem (DEF)

By sheer numbers, India’s defenders contributed significantly to the goal tally, Sharda Nand Tiwari scored five in regulation times, and most memorably, stepped up thrice in the penalty shootout against Belgium to convert strokes. Anmol Ekka and Rohit, two more dragflickers, scored four and two, respectively. Anmol, in fact, was the player of the match in the final as his drag flicks led to indirect deflections for a couple of crucial goals. But beyond these stats, one defender impressed with his all-round abilities. Priyobarta showed that he can shift across the backline and play any position, allowing the big-hitters to rotate. His distribution out of defence was often pinpoint, sending some fine aerials to beat the opponents’ press. And his ground-passing was solid too, as he combined with Manmeet Singh for India’s goal of the tournament.

Manmeet Singh (MID)

India’s midfield was perhaps the biggest concern to emerge from the tournament. In what has always been India’s strong suit over the years, there was no standout central driving force. Which is why Manmeet Singh’s six goals from a slightly more attacking position in midfield make him a serious long-term prospect. With six goals, he finished as India’s leading goalscorer and was constantly involved in the team’s good attacking moves, although finding the right pass in the final third is an area where he still needs some serious improvement. But helped with a strong physique and excellent stick skills, Manmeet – who wears No 8 and hopes to emulate Hardik Singh’s qualities – is a talent worth investing in for the long term.

Arshdeep Singh (FWD)

In Sreejesh’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, he trusted Arshdeep Singh and Dilraj Singh to lead the line, and both delivered some impressive performances. It was Arshdeep, however, who emerged from the tournament with his reputation seriously enhanced. Having already made his senior debut, the farmer’s son from Amritsar is making a name for himself when it comes to creating attacking openings, with an uncanny ability to create outcomes from the circle. While the forwards collectively struggled against Germany’s strong defensive structures, Arshdeep stepped up in the final quarter against Argentina, creating two Penalty Corners and a Penalty Stroke that led to India’s first three goals that triggered the turnaround. He is also aware that he needs to add goals to his game, having worked on his finishing skills post the HIL. With an opening or two in the senior’s squad for energetic forwards, Fulton would have his eye on Arshdeep.