Jeakson Singh, Suresh Wangjam shed light on their camaraderie on the field while playing for Blue Tigers

Indian football is definitely taking baby steps towards improvement. The Blue Tigers qualified for the AFC Cup 2023 for the second consecutive time after beating Cambodia (2-0), Afghanistan (2-1), and Hong Kong (4-0) in the qualifiers.

While players like ​​Sunil Chhetri, Ashique Kuruniyan, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh impressed in the attacking unit, players like Jeakson Singh and Suresh Wangjam did a fine job in the midfield.

As both Suresh and Jeakson hail from Manipur, their understanding is quite good on the field. The duo had done a fine job in supporting the attacking line and they had hogged the limelight for their impressive play.

“Speaking the same language helps, and so does the fact that Jeakson is very disciplined in his positioning. So when I am out of position, chasing the ball or going forward, I know Jeakson is behind me offering enough protection. He is calm with the ball, good in the air, unfazed under pressure, and always in the right place,” Suresh told Mint Lounge about his partnership with Jeakson.

Meanwhile, Suresh started in all three matches of the qualifiers whereas Jeakson Singh played two games for the Sunil Chhetri-led team.

Suresh feels there is a lot of scope for improvement in his game and he wants to work on his final passing.

“I do a lot of good things, but I am fully aware that my final pass is missing. I have to work on that a lot more,” he said.

As there is cut-throat competition for a place in the Indian team, Jeakson Singh admitted that he can’t take his spot in the national team for granted and needs to continue working hard.

“It might seem easy to just say keep your head down and keep working, but I realize there are players ready to take my place. And in a way, it is good to have such a good one breathing down my neck,” the Kerala Blasters FC midfielder said.