Three Uruguay players to watch as La Celeste visit India in September–October window
Uruguay have arrived in India to face the Blue Tigers at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata during the September–October international break. The fixture will be La Celeste’s final match of that window.
Uruguay are in a rebuilding phase under their new head coach and former striker Diego Forlán after exiting at the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They have already played Japan and South Korea in this international window, losing 3–1 to Japan before defeating South Korea 4–1. India, coached by Khalid Jamil, held Panama to a 1–1 draw and lost 0–4 to Brazil in the same period, and have been praised for adopting a compact low block defensively while looking to hurt opponents through quick transitions. Diego Forlán may use the match to experiment with his squad while aiming for a comfortable result, much like Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti did in their previous outing.
Ronald Araújo remains one of Uruguay’s most highly rated defenders despite struggles with injuries, limited minutes and inconsistent performances at FC Barcelona in recent years. Araújo currently plays for Premier League side Liverpool following his loan move away from FC Barcelona this summer. Primarily a centre-back who can also operate at right-back, he is noted for recovery pace, one-on-one defending and dominance in aerial duels, contributing goals from set-pieces while occasionally being prone to lapses in concentration. The individual contest between Araújo and India forward Manvir Singh — who has shown hold-up play and aerial ability against Brazil and Panama — will be one to monitor.
Rodrigo Bentancur brings significant international experience to Uruguay’s midfield, having made around 80 appearances for his country. A versatile box-to-box midfielder, Bentancur is described as technically gifted, capable of winning duels and making recoveries, calm under pressure and able to play line-breaking passes to create opportunities in the final third. He has captained Uruguay in both matches during this international break and has been tasked with linking defence and attack, a role that could prove decisive against India’s organised defensive structure and quick transitions.
Darwin Núñez enters the Kolkata match on the back of a brace in Uruguay’s win over South Korea, goals that ended a run of 17 consecutive international appearances without scoring. As Uruguay’s focal point in attack, Núñez is characterised as a traditional number nine with pace, aerial prowess, off-the-ball movement and a tendency to lead the team’s press while testing goalkeepers whenever possible. Diego Forlán remains concerned about Núñez’s finishing and overall conversion rate, meaning the striker will need to be clinical against a compact Indian defence if Uruguay are to secure a comfortable victory.
Uruguay are currently ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings, and their trip to Kolkata to face India at the VYBK Stadium will conclude their September–October international window.