2018 Intercontinental Cup: 5 players to look out for in the tournament

India's club football season has, finally, come to an end. It was a season filled with action-packed events. ISL and I-League went head-to-head in the much-anticipated Hero Super Cup.

But, many much-awaited tournaments are on the cards for Indian Football fans. As FIFA has confirmed the Intercontinental Cup fixtures, it has sent Indian Football fans crazy.

The tournament which kicks-off on June 1st promises scintillating and enthralling games for the Indian football fraternity.

Kenya, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei are the other contenders for the second edition of the Intercontinental Cup (Earlier, it was tri-nation tournament).

Winning the Intercontinental Cup is going to be an uphill task for the national team. Quality oppositions are the other contenders and India need to execute their best to come out triumphant.

In this article, we take a look at the list of top 5 players to watch in this competition.

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#5 Michael Olunga

Kenya and New Zealand are the hot-favorites to clinch the Intercontinental Cup this time. The robust and the sturdy Kenyan squad are a tough nut to crack for all the participants.

Kenya's trump card in the attack will be Michael Olunga. The 24-year-old attacker is currently plying his trade for FC Girona, in La Liga, on loan from Guizhou Zhicheng.

Olunga has not made a cut into the squad announced for the upcoming two friendlies, but coach Sebastien Migne was optimistic and asserted that he'd likely join the team for the Intercontinental Cup.

In January, Olunga scored a hat-trick against Las Palmas and became the first Kenyan player and Girona player to do so in La Liga.

Kenyan team will be expecting a similar show from Olunga once they set foot on Mumbai Football Arena.

#4 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Gurpreet Sandhu has been solid at the back for India

Tough tasks are waiting for India ahead of the road. The Intercontinental Cup is, just, one of it. However, over the years, Indian Football team has risen from the sleep and has shown signs of progress.

India, recently, had recorded an unbeaten streak. While the entire team and coaching staffs deserve the credit, much more should be given to the shot-stopper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The Bengaluru FC goalkeeper was impressive and recorded numerous saves, which denied the opponents.

Unlike the previous opponents, India has to face better contenders. There is no denying that the opponents would attack fiercely. Hence, to prove the mettle, the defence needs to display a sturdiness.

Sandhu, in particular, will have to face intense attacks. He is appointed to guard the goal.

The Intercontinental Cup is going to be a real test for India's No.1 shot-stopper. The result, whatever be, will have an impact on his future.

#3 Sarpreet Singh

Sarpreet Singh is one of the brightest prospects in New Zealand football

Reports have emerged that New Zealand would send a relatively younger squad to the Intercontinental Cup. Burnley attacker Chris Wood, West Ham defender Winston Reid and other major players will likely miss the tournament.

The next Oceania Nations Cup is in 2020, so they have two years in hand. Hence, coach Fritz Schmid is planning to give youngsters a chance in the upcoming tournament.

Sarpreet Singh is one of the brightest prospects in the country. The young teenager recently had his senior team debut against Canada, where they lost 1-0.

The 19-year-old plies his trade as an attacking midfielder for Wellington Phoenix, in A-League.

He is determined to make it big in the International stages. Giving him the right exposures will only strengthen him.

Sarpreet, if got a chance, would be eager to prove his mettle. His performance in the A-League, this season, was impressive.

If he could continue that show in India and dazzle everyone, he'd cement his place in the national team.

#2 Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri will look to lead India from the front

Sunil Chhetri has been a leading figure in Indian Football. The national team skipper has done an immense job for India in their recent resurrection.

An inspiring presence on and off the pitch, a motivating presence for all the football fanatics across the nation, Chhetri's contribution to Indian football has been massive.

He has been ripping defences apart for the national team and has been exerting confidence among his peers, time and again.

Chhetri has never disappointed the fans on occasions where his class mattered the most. His crucial goals have, often, helped India secure comeback victories and so on.

The entire nation and the team hope Chhetri could do the same in the Intercontinental Cup. While the oppositions are stronger on the paper, India needs Chhetri's experience and talent to reverse the matter.

A paladin, Chhetri has, the ability to command the play, it in him. Kenya, New Zealand and of course, Chinese Taipei are going to give Indians a tough test. To overcome it and come triumphant, India will again rely on this player, a Superhero of the nation.

#1 Victor Wanyama

Victor Wanyama is Kenya's trump card in the tournament

The most-famed name among those who are coming for this much-anticipated tourney, Victor Wanyama plays for Tottenham Hotspur, in the EPL, as a defensive midfielder.

A strong defensive midfielder, Wanyama will have the responsibility to dictate the pace and the tempo of the game and to supply balls to the attackers. He will also have the task to cover the gap between the defence.

Kenyan Football will send a strong squad for the Intercontinental Cup. Wanyama, who is their captain, will have the responsibility to make sure they leave India clinching the trophy.

Wanyama has made 54 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur and has featured 50 times for Kenyan national team.

With Kenya being the hottest contenders, a disappointing performance will not appease the audience. A Wanyama masterclass could make sure they do it.