ISL 2015: 10 Indian players to watch out for this season
After a successful first season, the Indian Super League is back with its second edition, starting October 3, 2015. Franchisees are geared up with their teams. Organizers are expecting huge turnouts. Players are well set to showcase their football magic.
While all this happens in the background, it’s the fans that are creating all the buzz around the league. Football fanatics are expecting a world class display of footwork and more. And even though much is expected out of the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Elano Blumer, Iain Hume, Borja Fernandez, there are some young guns of India who will be raring to have a cracker of a season.
Here’s a look at 10 Indian players ISL fans need to keep a close eye on this season.
1. Rino Anto (Athletico de Kolkata)
Position: Defender
Rino, who has made couple of international appearances for the Indian national team, is known for his great footwork and is considered as one the best right-back players in the league. In the 2015 auction, Anto’s base price was set at Rs. 17.50 lakh and he was eventually sold for Rs.90 lakh. Given the buzz around him in the Kolkata team, it will be interesting to see what Rino Anto has to offer on field.
2. Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)
Position: Forward
The top Indian goalscorer of the last season, Jeje won several hearts with his stellar performance that helped Chennaiyin to level on aggregate with the Kerala Blasters. An important cog in the Mohun Bagan wheel, Jeje is known to apply his mind in the game. He’s packed with bundles of energy and has an uncanny knack of picking the right moments to score. With Mendoza, Fikru and Jeje leading from the front Chennaiyin’s attack looks threatening this season.
3. Harmanjot Khabra (Chennaiyin FC)
Position: Midfielder
This young lad from Punjab was one of Chennaiyin’s most consistent player last season. Best known for his assisting capabilities, Harmanjot’s energy and passion for the game comes across very prominently on field. Fondly know as HK7 by his fans, the Chennai team will hope that he comes good and adds more bite to their side.
4. Robin Singh (Delhi Dynamos)
Position: Forward
Regarded as one of Delhi’s best buys, 25-year-old Robin Singh had a successful I-League season with Bengaluru FC last year, scoring a total of 6 goals. ISL will give Robin a chance to learn from international players on home turf, which will make him a better national player as well. He is energetic and is a vibrant player to have around. Also the fact that he is left-footed makes him a rare striker to have.
5. Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa)
Position: Midfielder
With his stellar performance in the last edition, Romeo wowed several football enthusiasts, including coach and Brazilian legend Zico. Robert Pires too spoke highly about his ability to net the ball with perfection. This starlet was released by Atletico Paranaense earlier this year, making way for his re-entry into ISL. FC Goa will surely be banking on Romeo to carry on with his impressive run.
6. Jackichand Singh (FC Pune City)
Position: Midfielder
23-year-old Jackichand, who made his national team debut earlier this year, has created a lot of buzz with his I-League performances for Royal Wahingdoh. Having bagged the Best Player title in the last I-League season, Pune City will be hoping for this winger to come good in ISL as well.
7. Eugeneson Lyngdoh (FC Pune City)
Position: Midfielder
Having outsold the popular Sunil Chhetri this season, all eyes will be on Eugeneson Lyngdoh when he takes field for Pune City in ISL 2015. The 28-year-old, who was sold for a whopping Rs 1.05 crores, is know for his athleticism and speed. While fans will hope that Eugene surpasses his I-League performance, the franchisee will closely see if he’s worth every single penny.
8. Sandesh Jhingan (Kerela Blasters FC)
Position: Defender
Named as last year’s emerging player of the season, Kerala Blasters’ Sandesh has since then played a vital role in the Indian national team. A player skilled with effective counter-attacks, the team will be hoping for him to come good this season as well.
9. Subrata Paul (Mumbai City FC)
Position: Goalkeeper
The best Indian goalkeeper of ISL 2014, Subrata Paul gave some notable performances last season with a total of 49 saves. This Mumbai City FC player has also been a star performer in the Indian national team. A resident of Sodepur, West Bengal, Subrata is one of the prominent faces of football in India, having played for popular teams like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the past.
10. Siam Hanghal (North East United)
Position: Midfielder
Known for his dribbling skills, Siam was Bengaluru FC’s shining star in the last season. This young lad from Manipur, who impressed football fanatics with his ability to move around the field quickly in the I-League, will hope to replicate his run for North East United in ISL.
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