The highly anticipated Hockey India League (HIL) kicks off with the men’s auction in New Delhi on Sunday (13th October). Over 400 domestic and more than 150 international players have signed up for a chance to represent one of the eight men’s teams this year. The eyes will be on prominent Indian players like Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Krishan Pathak, but there are big international names who could fetch substantial amounts in the auction. Let’s explore the top foreign players to watch for in the Hockey India League Auction 2024.
Blake Govers (Australia)
Blake is an outstanding goal scorer known for his great dribbling and powerful shots. He plays a crucial role in the Australian hockey team’s success, creating chances and finishing with precision, making him a tough opponent for any team.
Jeremy Hayward (Australia)
Jeremy Hayward is a versatile defender who excels at intercepting passes and tackling opponents. His ability to read the game and stop attacks has been key to Australia’s strong defensive performance, making him a vital player.
Mats Grambusch (Germany)
Germany’s Mat’s Grambusch is a talented midfielder famous for his accurate passing and game vision. He is a key playmaker who controls the tempo and helps in creating scoring opportunities for his team, making him an essential part of Germany’s success.
Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium)
Alexander is one of the world’s best drag-flickers and penalty corner specialists. His unique ability to score from set pieces has been crucial in Belgium’s success, and he remains one of the most strong players on the field.
Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands)
A skilled defender with a unique ability to score goals. Brinkman contributes both in attack and defence, making timely interceptions and playing a key role in the Netherlands’ team with his smart game reading. He played a key role in Pairs Olympics gold for the Dutch side.
Jip Janssen (Netherlands)
A talented midfielder who shines in defence, winning back possession and breaking up opposition attacks. Her ability to start counterattacks has been crucial in the Netherlands’ victories.