'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX/2gAIAQEAAAAAjv8A/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABP/aAAgBAhAAAAAv/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABP/aAAgBAxAAAAAP/8QAIBAAAQMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMFEQACBBIhIiNRcf/aAAgBAQABPwBzfU0nLBRTxwoVb/HdsRF09pHrWaDrjESBx8r/xAAaEQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADETHB/9oACAECAQE/ALlUImBsdM//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABACH/2gAIAQMBAT8ATC//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 2016 Dabang Delhi HockeyClub squad has the perfect blend of youth and experience as the refurbished team starts their quest for the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) 2016. The youngsters signed by the Mumbai-based franchise especially are an extremely talented bunch, who have already started making waves on the international circuit.With an average age of just 23.7 years, the Alphas have a youthful exuberance about them and their spirit and valour will play a big part in pushing the Mumbai side towards their maiden HIL crown.Here are the five young guns to look out for from the Alphas in the biggest hockey league in the world:
#1 Florian Fuchs
One of the world’s most admired and lethal strikers – Germany’s Florian Fuchs – will not only strengthen Dabang Mumbai’s core team but will also be an added inspiration for all his team members. The success that the German has achieved at the tender age of just 24 is just mind-boggling.
He burst into the spotlight from a very young age and was named the FIH Young Player of the Year in 2012. That year will always remain one of Fuchs' most cherished seasons as he got an unforgettable opportunity to be a part of Germany’s Olympic gold-winning squad at the age of just 20.
Fuchs' illustrious career also has the coveted Champions Trophy gold that the Germans won in India in 2014.
Quite naturally, this holder of 119 international caps and scorer of 69 international goals is the most expensive forward at this season's HIL and the Alphas will bank on his rich experience to fulfill their title aspirations.
#2 Harmanpreet Singh
20-year-old Harmanpreet Singh has been a sensation in Indian hockey in the last calendar year, which is why it is no wonder that Dabang Mumbai shelled out $51,000 to retained the services of this drag-flick expert in their 2016 squad.
His most recent achievement was at the Junior Asia Cup in November where he was in stupendous form by plundering 15 goals for his side. The youngster scored four goals in the final which helped India outshine arch-rivals Pakistan to lift the title.
Harmanpreet also gave a dazzling testimony of his sheer brilliance at the world's biggest league last year when he pumped in five goals for the Mumbai side, despite not featuring extensively. Needless to say, he should be raring to add more this time.
#3 Gurmail Singh
Indian international Gurmail Singh was bought by the Mumbai-based franchise Dabang Mumbai at the recently concluded CIL Hockey India League 2016 auction. The Alphas had to fight hard to secure the 23-year-old defender's signature at the auction outbidding Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Delhi Waveriders. With a price tag of US $81,000, Gurmail became the second costliest Indian to be bought at the auction.
The Haryana-based defender, with 33 appearances, is an established Indian international. He believes his side is a formidable unit, defensively, with the addition of solid Australian defenders like Matthew Swann and Andrew Philpott, and can go on to challenge for the title.
#4 Jeremy Hayward
This sprightly Australian defender has already gained a lot of valuable experience on the international stage after a seamless transition from the junior set-up. At an age of 21, Jeremy Hayward has already accounted for 13 international goals and was a part of the 2014 World Cup-winning Australian team. Besides, he was also in the squad which clinched the 2014 Champions Trophy bronze.
His junior career is no less impressive. He was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in the 2014 Junior World Cup where Australia captured the gold.
Quite obviously, Dabang Mumbai made the right choice in retaining Hayward for the 2016 season.
#5 Johan Bjorkman
With his flair and speed, the 22-year-old Swedish forward Johan Bjorkman will look to make himself indispensable to Dabang Mumbai. Having made his international debut in 2009, Bjorkman has already earned 58 international caps and is the most prominent Swedish field hockey player from his generation.
Suffice to say, that he will be a key player in leading the charge of the Alphas.
Johan was a brilliant player in Sweden’s U-21 team and is naturally proficient in both outdoor and indoor hockey. His myriad accomplishments speak for themselves which include the gold in 2014 Euro Hockey League, apart from being declared the best player in 2013 and 2014 U-21 Indoor Euro Championships.
