Sahal Abdul Samad is the future star of India, opines Bhaichung Bhutia

06/01/2020

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Former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia feels that youngster Abdul Sahal Samad can be the next big player for the national side. The Kerela Blasters FC player rose to prominence after performing exceedingly well in the 2018-19 Indian Super League season and has been a regular for India ever since.

After playing out his youth career in the United Arab Emirates, Sahal moved to Kerala and was part of the Kerala State Football Team in 2016-17. After a season with the Kerala Blasters FC reserves, he was inducted into the senior team, from where there was no looking back for the central midfielder. Having made his debut for the Indian national football team in 2019, Sahal has now become a mainstay in Igor Stimac's squad. But Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia believes that the midfielder can be the next big thing in Indian football.

"In terms of scoring, Sahal can come and fit in. He's playing more as link-up -- an attacking midfielder. He just needs to start getting the confidence of scoring, taking shots. Once he starts scoring, he can be a great finisher. He can take that position (of Sunil Chhetri). He is one future star for India," said Bhaichung Bhutia in an Instagram Live.

With Sunil Chhetri at the end of an illustrious career, India needs a successor to lead them in the International arena. Bhutia believes that fan favourites Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are the perfect contenders to fill in Chhetri’s shoes in the future.

"There are two players who could lead the team. One is Sandesh and the other is Gurpreet once Sunil thinks of retiring,” added the former footballer.