India U-23 player ratings in 1-0 victory over Pakistan U-23

Sunil Chhetri led the India U-23 side to a 1-0 win over Pakistan in the first friendly.

India U-23 recorded a 1-0 victory over Pakistan U-23 in the first of the two-match friendly series at the Bangalore Football Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday afternoon. Sportskeeda rates the Indian players.

Amrinder Singh (Goalkeeper) 6.0 – The Pune FC custodian made a great save to deny Pakistan captain Kaleem Ullah in the second half but looked unconvincing while dealing with crosses and set-pieces.

Pritam Kotal (Right Back) 6.5 – A decent performance from the Mohun Bagan defender as he looked solid defensively but often gave away possession too easily and thus will have to improve his distribution.

Joyner Laurenco (Centre Back) 6.5 – The Sporting Clube de Goa youngster made a couple of important interceptions but was exposed a bit after the substitution of his more experienced partner Sandesh Jhingan.

Sandesh Jhingan (Centre Back) 7.0 – The Kerala Blasters defender showed today why he is rated so highly by Bhaichung Bhutia as he gave a strong performance, looking composed both while defending and playing out from the back.

Narayan Das (Left Back) 8.0 – It is no surprise that the Dempo defender is also a regular member of the India senior team as he was flawless at the back, making important challenges, and was a threat going forward with his crossing.

Francis Fernandes (Right Midfield) 5.0 – The former Salgaocar captain’s performance will be a worry for Wim Koevermans as he was hardly involved in the game despite playing for an hour and was untidy in possession.

Pronay Haldar (Central Midfield) 7.0 – The Dempo medio was another one who impressed as he broke up several Pakistan attacks in midfield and worked extremely hard throughout the game, thus staking a claim to start in the Asian Games opener also.

Lalrindika Ralte (Central Midfield) 7.5 – It wasn’t the East Bengal man’s best performance but he was still one of India’s most creative players, setting up the winner from his corner delivery, and should have also got on the scoresheet.

Mandar Rao Desai (Left Midfield) 6.0 – The Dempo youngster was lively and caused problems for Pakistan’s right flank with his pace but his inexperience showed in his crossing and final ball as he rarely found a teammate.

Sunil Chhetri (Centre Forward) 7.0 – The skipper was officially awarded with the goal after the game but had other chances to get on the scoresheet also. He was once again India’s most dangerous player and often helped out the midfield by dropping deep.

Robin Singh (Centre Forward) 6.0 – It was an eventful game for the Bengaluru FC striker as he was initially credited with the goal despite hitting the woodwork and his physical presence gave plenty of problems to the Pakistan backline. But Robin nearly cost the team badly by getting sent off following two needless bookings.

Substitutes

Semilen Doungel (Right Midfield) 5.5 – The Shillong Lajong and North East United player replaced Francis but failed to make an impact.

Shankar Sampingiraj (Centre Back) 5.5 – The Bengaluru FC teenager got a great reception after coming on for Jhingan but looked nervous at the back.