Everyone has an opinion on who should make the national team and most squad announcements are followed by intense discussions as to who really should or should not have made the national team.

With the Solidarity Cup coming just around the corner for the Sri Lankan National team, ThePapare.com takes a look at some of the players who surely would add value in Dudley Steinwall’s side based on their performances in the Dialog Champions League 2016.

Dimuthu Priyadarshana

Dimuthu Priyadarshana

One of Renown’s most consistent defenders this season Dimuthu Priyadarshana has been a rock at the back and has provided plenty of support for the midfield with his willingness to get forward down the right.

Provided several assists this season with crosses from advanced positions and would be good back up for the likes of Chalana Chameera in the National team.

Hakeem Kamil

Hakeem Kamil

The Center Back from Renown has played in the national team for several tournaments but failed to make the cut for Dudley Steinwall’s squad this year.

Reliable at the back and good on the ball, he was a composed figure at the back throughout the DCL 2016 despite the absence of his regular center-back partner Francis Agbeti. A player of his youth, experience and caliber surely would have added value to the national team.

Thilina Bandara

Thilina Bandara(1)

Back at Solid SC this season playing in the heart of defence alongside Amith Kumara, the former national captain missed out on national team selection for the Solidarity Cup.

His understanding with Amith Kumara (who coincidentally did make the national team) could have been invaluable if they were played together. His national team experience and composure on the ball could have been a useful addition to the squad.

Sanoj Sameera

Sanoj Sameera

Sanoj Sameera is a player who has failed so far to make his mark in international football despite some brilliant performances at club level.

Sanoj Sameera has been the heart of the Saunders SC team for a couple of seasons now but missed out on national team selection this time around as well.

His ability to break up play and keep possession in midfield has been well-proven at club level in recent years, especially in the matches against the midfield dominant Renown SC, but he’s not been given the chance to do so in the international arena.

He could have been a useful option to play alongside Sanka Danushka in midefield.

Madhushan De Silva

madushan silva(1)

The skipper of the Army team has seen a plethora of his team mates make the initial squad, despite having a brilliant season.

His play down the left flank of the Army attack line has been brilliant all season, finding him a regular feature on the list of goal scorers and providers. With the likes of Nipuna Bandara and Kavindu Ishan also in top form though, Madhushan De Silva can count himself unlucky to miss out on a spot in the team.

Naveen Jude

Naveen-Jude

The youngster from Royal College showed maturity of a player well above his age when banging in six goals for Java Lane this season.

By far the best player of the relegated Java Lane team, he can count himself unlucky to miss out after a breakthrough season. His lack of physicality could be one of the reasons he missed out on a spot, with youngster Dilip Peiris securing a spot instead.

Mohammed Issadeen

Mohamed Issadeen

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny the fact that Mohammed Issadeen is one of the most proven center forwards in club football in Sri Lanka.

Though it was widely reported that he retired from international duties at the end of last year, it seems that his retirement was not accepted by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

The Army center forward has carried his form of last season into this year as well, top scoring for Army in the group stages for a second year running.

His strength and movement in the final third have been brilliant as ever.

Anyone you think should be in the National Squad for the Solidarity Cup? Do have your say. Comment below.