Who is Moirangthem Thoiba Singh? Indian football team's new call-up

Under Manolo Marquez's new leadership, the Indian national football team has had a difficult time so far; the Blue Tigers have not won a game yet during his time in charge. Marquez, who is well-known for making audacious choices and keeping a close eye on emerging talent, has not hesitated to bring in new players from the Indian Super League.

His choice of younger players over seasoned ones has given his squad selections an interesting new dimension. Thoiba Singh, a promising midfielder for Odisha FC, has been called up to the national team camp for their forthcoming friendly match against Malaysia in Hyderabad as Marquez continues to assemble a team with an eye toward the future. This opportunity arises as a replacement for the injured Anirudh Thapa.

Thoiba Singh’s journey and rise in Indian Football

Thoiba Singh was born in Moirang, Manipur, on December 12, 2002. He started playing football at the AMOFA Academy, where he demonstrated a remarkable combination of endurance, tenacity, and a deep comprehension of the game. At just 15, he became the youngest player to appear in the Indian football league system when he made his professional debut with Minerva Punjab in the I-League in 2018.

His influence was immediate, and a year later, at the age of 16, he scored a vital goal for Minerva Punjab against Manang Marshyangdi, making history as the youngest-ever AFC Cup goal scorer. This accomplishment distinguished him as a player with exceptional promise and maturity for his age.

Professional Career with Odisha FC

Thoiba has made a name for himself as a dependable and adaptable defensive midfielder since joining Odisha FC in 2020. He is renowned for his quickness, defensive prowess, and unwavering work ethic. Although he is mostly used in defensive midfield, he has demonstrated versatility by filling in at right-back and left midfield when needed.

He is a defensive-minded player, but he has displayed flashes of offensive ability, most notably when he scored during Odisha's AFC Cup campaign. Thoiba’s growth in the ISL has been steady, with consistent performances that emphasize his ball-winning ability, precise tackling, and a penchant for initiating counter-attacks.

Strengths and Playing Style

Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, Thoiba might not have a physically imposing frame, but his technical skills, positioning, and spatial awareness compensate effectively. His style is defined by his aggressive ball recovery technique and remarkable game reading, which enable him to predict and thwart opponent moves.

Thoiba’s high energy and mobility make him a dynamic presence on the field, seamlessly transitioning between defense and attack. His experience as a right-back has also given him more versatility in his play, allowing him to stretch play and support wide areas when required.

As a young player, Thoiba’s composure and discipline are commendable. His ability to break up play and stabilize the midfield is what makes him valuable, even though his offensive numbers may not be particularly noteworthy. These qualities are highly valued by coaches focused on a possession-based and counter-attacking style.

Future Prospects

Under Manolo Marquez, Thoiba could provide India's midfield with new depth as he joins the national team camp. His development trajectory indicates that he has the potential to become an important member of the national team, especially in high-stakes games that require quick transitions and defensive discipline.

Because of his exposure to a variety of roles at Odisha and his consistent growth in the ISL, he is a well-rounded player who could succeed in a number of tactical systems. With the opportunity to play under Marquez’s guidance, Thoiba Singh has the platform to sharpen his skill set further and potentially cement his place in the national team.

Cover Credits - Transfermarkt