How Pakistan should line-up for the SAFF Cup (Part 1)

How Pakistan should line-up for the SAFF Cup (Part 1)

With Pakistani Football’s hopes being lifted with the involvement of a foreign coach, this writer analyzes what the optimum line-up should be in order to maximize the chances of the Green-Kickers making a good impression at the SAFF Cup.

Goalkeeper: Yousuf Butt

Despite being overlooked and labeled as a ‘non-committed’ player by Tariq Lutfi, BK Glostrup Albertslund’s shot stopper should be the number one choice for Pakistan to defend the goal posts.

Initially being tested in the U-23 setup by the PFF, Butt was neglected after Lutfi chose to utilize the services of the aged Jaffar Khan in his stead. The veteran’s woeful performance was there for all to see and it cost Pakistan the World Cup qualifiers.

With Zaviša Milosavljevi? at the helm, Yousuf Butt is expected to retain his place for the prestigious South Asian tournament and hopefully prove his credentials on the International stage.

Left-Back: Shabir Khan

The defender has not been called up since making his debut in the 2009 edition of the SAFF Cup despite having played for the likes of Worcester City in his career.

The 25-year-old has garnered alot of experience overtime, something which has been lacking in Pakistan’s wingbacks in recent times.

With local players struggling to make the position their own, Shabir can easily slot into the role and use his skills to great effect.

Centre-Back: Zeeshan Rehman

Being the only Pakistani player to have ever plyed his trade for an English Premier League side, Rehman should have had a long lasting stint with the National Team; however that has not been the case.

Partly due to the player’s ego and other off the field issues, the former Bradford City man has hardly been able to feature for the Green-Shirts on a regular basis.

But his despite his antics, the defender remains one the most valuable players Pakistan can depend on and his inclusion in the squad could make the defence a true force to be reckoned with.

Centre-Back: Samar Ishaq

A regular name in the line-up, Samar Ishaq has been a very decent player for the National side, with the only minor blip being his frequently mis-hit penalties.

But with the addition of genuine attackers, spot-kick duties can be handed over to another player and the KRL star can continue to do what he does best; winning aerial challenges in the heart of the back-line.

Right-Back: Amjad Iqbal

The 31-year-old made a scintillating return to footballing action this year with Bradford Park Avenue and earned the man-of-the-match award in the process.

Iqbal suffered a career threatening leg break last winter but his determination and dedication has seen him make a complete recovery.

Now a influential player at  the Horsfall Stadium, his inclusion to the National Team will not only be a great boost to his morale, but his talents could come in very handy against the likes of India and Bangladesh.

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Posted by Shahrukh Sohail on Nov 11 2011. Filed under Pakistan, South Asia, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry