Bangladesh are just four days away from kicking off their 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers campaign with the match against Kyrgyzstan (June 11) before taking on Tajikistan five days later. The games are vital from Bangladesh’s perspective as they will be held in Dhaka against two comparatively weaker opponents than the others in the group and it will be their best opportunity to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup as well. Here is a list prepared by Shishir Hoque of six players on whom Bangladesh can rely to make something happen.
Mamunul Islam
The talismanic Sheikh Jamal DC midfielder earned the respect and well-wishes from each and every opponent Bangladesh played in the recent months. His skills over the set-pieces are greatly complemented by the left-footer’s deft and clever passes. A tough and hot-headed character, Mamunul’s composure will dictate how Bangladesh fare in the qualifiers.
Jamal Bhuiyan
Since making his debut in the national team, the Danish-born expatriate midfielder has been patrolling the midfield with pride and established his name as one of the best defensive midfielders in South Asia. With an immense work-rate, calm steps and stacks of passing ability, Jamal has brought back the solidity in midfield.
Zahid Hossain
The star winger couldn’t play the warm-up matches due to injury but his presence is something the opponents always worry about because of his pace, dribbling skills and attitude on the pitch. Zahid stays in charge of the wings and opens up the opponent defence with his accurate crosses.
Nasir Uddin Chowdhury
Nasir is the perfect defender a team can have in this modern era of football. Not only does he control the back-line, Nasir is also very effective during set-pieces in the opponents’ danger zone. His goal-scoring ability puts him right up in the “most wanted” defenders’ list in the Bangladesh Premier League. His versatility will be relied upon in the upcoming fixtures.
Hemanta Vincent Biswas
The juvenile midfielder has been playing out of his preferred position for his club this season but it hardly hampered his instinct in the national jersey. Rated as one of the fastest players in the side, Hemanta’s pace will be a threat to the opposition defenders.
Enamul Haque
He returned to the national team after five years for the two friendly matches recently. The veteran and versatile striker’s sparkling display only suggested that he has more to give to the national side and the stylish right-footer has the ability to surprise his opponents by playing out of the book.
