Indian football: 8 new faces called up by Igor Stimac for the national team

Igor Stimac's first assignment will be the King's Cup in Thailand
Igor Stimac's first assignment will be the King's Cup in Thailand

#2 Jobby Justin

Jobby Justin, who played for East Bengal, has moved to ATK
Jobby Justin, who played for East Bengal, has moved to ATK

The striker from Kerala was knocking at the door of the national team after his brilliant display with Quess East Bengal in the I-League last season. It was quite obvious that the 25-year-old would get a call-up.

The footballer ended up as the highest scoring Indian player in the I-League, with 9 goals to his name. Not only that, the past season was important for him because he really transformed as a top quality player under the guidance of Spanish coach Alejandro Menendez Perez.

He recently signed for two-time Indian Super League champions ATK for the upcoming season.


#1 Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke scored the winner in the ISL final this year
Rahul Bheke scored the winner in the ISL final this year

It was quite surprising that the side-back was not yet called up for the senior side despite his inspiring performances for Bengaluru FC and also before that. His exclusion from the 2019 Asian Cup was also a questionable decision, but finally, he gets an opportunity to showcase his skills for the national squad.

Bheke is an energetic footballer, a workhorse, a skilful player who has the capability to score a few goals too. Recently, he scored the winner for Bengaluru FC in the final of the 2018-19 Indian Super League in the 117th minute to guide his team to a maiden championship win.

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