Who is Pakistan’s best defender?
Friday, January 6th, 2012 4:30:23 by Shahrukh Sohail
Who is Pakistan’s best defender?
Defence has been Pakistan’s strong point in every team and the current squad also boasts some luminaries in their midst. Newspakistan analyzes who is the best out of the lot.
Samar Ishaq:
A model of consistency, the 35-year-old has been an important part of the National team ever since the 2005 SAFF Championships. Heavily featuring at the heart of the backline, Ishaq is a decent player, who can get the job done with minimal fuss.
He has also gathered quite a lot of experience under his belt and can now be relied upon to lead the defence. His performances in the SAFF Cup were pivotal to the Green Shirt’s unbeaten campaign and as long as he can maintain his fitness, the KRL man is
set to be included in Pakistan’s senior team.
Atif Bashir:
Although not normally used a centre-back by the coaches, the former Afan Lido man has the capability to easily slot in at the back. Using his physical attributes to great effect, he has become an integral part of the National team and is regularly called
up for all the matches.
He has also scored twice for Pakistan and one of them was a sweetly taken strike in the 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei last year.
Zeeshan Rehman:
The former Fulham man is the only Pakistani ever to have played in the English Premier League. Making his debut against Liverpool, he encountered numerous teams and players on the pitch, which most of his countrymen only witness on the television.
His quality is undoubted but his commitment is not. Forsaking the team in favour of club football or not playing due to fears of an alleged attack are only excuses for a player, who should have been one of the Nation’s greatest heroes.
The self-proclaimed skipper may have to adjust his attitude but there is no doubt that when it comes down to defensive ability and experience at the highest level, Zeeshan Rehman has no peer in Pakistani football.
Tags: Atif Bashir, Pakistan Football Team, Samar Ishaq, Zeeshan Rehman
Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=8353
Posted by Shahrukh Sohail
on Jan 6 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Sports.
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