Title: National Team Selection Sparks Debate Over Player Form and Tactical Needs
In a move that has generated significant discussion within football circles, head coach Amir Ghalenoei has announced his latest squad, with the call-up of Persepolis’s Milad Mohammadi drawing particular attention.
A Surprising Inclusion
The selection of Milad Mohammadi has become a focal point for analysis. The defender has seen limited playing time with his club, Persepolis, this season. According to performance statistics, Mohammadi has featured in only six matches, accumulating just 202 minutes on the pitch. During this time, he has not registered a goal or an assist and was named in the starting lineup only once—and even then, in a non-specialist right-back position.
At the club level, coach Vahid Hashemian has consistently favored other options, leaving Mohammadi largely in a substitute role for the majority of the current campaign.
Addressing a Key Position
The debate surrounding the selection is set against the backdrop of the team’s composition. In the recent match against Russia, which ended in a defeat for Team Melli, specialist left-back was a noted absence, forcing midfielder Ali Nemati to fill in the defensive role.
This context makes the choice for the left-back position a critical one. Other domestic players like Abolfazl Jalali, who was a regular starter for Esteghlal and was part of the previous national team camp, and Mohammad Naderi, a consistent performer for the championship-winning team over the past year, were also available for selection.
A Tactical Decision by Management
Ultimately, the coaching staff, under Ghalenoei’s leadership, has opted for Mohammadi’s inclusion. This decision is viewed by many observers as a calculated choice based on the coach’s specific tactical vision and his assessment of the players’ potential contributions to the national team’s objectives. Such selections often reflect a long-term strategy and a coach’s belief in a player’s ability to fulfill a particular role within the national setup.