How Pakistan should line-up for the SAFF Cup (Part 2)

Sunday, November 13th, 2011 3:59:00 by Shahrukh Sohail

How Pakistan should line-up for the SAFF Cup (Part 2)

This writer analyzes what the optimum line-up should be at the SAFF Cup for Pakistan in the 2^nd part of this two-part article.

Left-Winger: Ahmed Khan

Although he only come on for a few minutes in the World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, Ahmed Khan’s time on the pitch was a nightmare for the opposing defenders, who were mesmerized with his scintillating skills.

While he is not a full-professional like some of his International teammates, he still possesses the right attributes to succeed on the left-flank, which has never seen a player make the position his own.

Centre-Midfield: Atif Bashir

The man-of-the-match in many people’s eyes in Lahore, Atif Bashir has rightfully garnered the attention of the Pakistani football community with his selfless displays and die-hard attitude. At the National stadium, if one player stood out amongst the rest
it was the Barry Town man.

Such was his dominance and drive against the Bengal Tigers that his opponents simply chose to jump out of his way when he was charging.

Primarily playing as a centre-back, the 26-year-old has been utilized as defensive midfielder by Tariq Lutfi and it was the few right decisions the coach made.

Bashir combined superbly with Adnan Ahmed in the centre of the park and his neat passing play with his teammates suggests that his talents would be better suited in front of the backline.

Having earned nicknames such as the ‘Tank’, the former Cardiff City man is one of the Pakistan’s most consistent players and his inclusion in the squad is almost a given.

Centre-Midfield: Adnan Ahmed

Simply the most technically gifted player Pakistan have at their disposal, Adnan Ahmed was chosen as the captain for the scrapped series against India, but the decision to hand him the arm band highlights his importance to the PFF.

A graduate of the famed Manchester United academy, the 27-year-old graced the Pakistani colours against Iraq in 2007 and since then has never looked back.

Possessing an inert ability to drift past defenders, Adnan’s attacking capabilities can be of extreme value if harnessed in a proper set-up and with him and Atif Bashir acting as the vital clog in midfield; Zaviša Milosavljevi?’s chances of lifting silverware
in his first major tournament would be boosted by some margin.

Right-Winger: Rizwan Asif/Muhammad Qasim

While Rizwan Asif was highly impressive during his outings with the U-23 team, he faces stiff competition from Muhammad Qasim to secure the right-wing role.

Qasim, who scored a hat trick against Guam in 2008, featured this year in the World Cup qualifiers but was substituted by Tariq Lutfi, who sent on Kaleemullah for one of the worst displays seen by this writer.

With Rizwan edging the competition with his grit and leadership skills, he should be first choice but he will be kept on his heels by Qasim.

Forward: Muhammad Rasool

The Chitral-born star is one of the undoubted stars of the Pakistan Premier League and has demonstrated his abilities on the International stage as well.

However goals have seemingly come scarce for the KRL man in National Team colours and he will to prove his mettle to the new boss in order to stake his claim in the starting line-up.

Forward: Hassan Bashir

Expected to make his bow for the Pakistan team in the series against India, the Hellurp IK man had to endure the agony of the games being cancelled and return home without a cap.

However he would be the missing piece in the National Team’s jigsaw puzzle, as the lack of goals have clearly highlighted our inability to match even the likes of Bangladesh.

With him leading the line, Pakistan would have a real shot at the 2011 SAFF Cup, but given certain issues, this team is never likely to be fielded and is only a dream which many Pakistani football fans hope will come true sometime in the future.

 

 

Tags: Adnan Ahmed, Ahmed Khan, Atif Bashir, Hassan Bashir, Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Rasool, Pakistan Football Team, Rizwan Asif, SAFF Cup 2011, Zavi a Milosavljevi

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