5 Most Valuable Players in Indian Football Right Now

Modified May 30, 2018 15:16 IST

Over the years, Indian football's rapid advancement has led to a country wide acknowledgement of the national team's achievements. The players have been earning acclaim on the back of their recent performances, especially, qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup. Adequate advertising of tournaments has encouraged European football fans to watch Indian matches with the same vigour.

The Intercontinental Cup is just around the corner, starting from the first of June. It will act as a practice tournament for the Indian team before the AFC Asian Cup, which is set to begin in January, next year. India did well in the qualifiers to secure a ticket into the main playoffs of the tournament.

The most valuable Indian players, as per www.transfermarkt.com, take up different positions for the team. It goes to show how each role on the field is as important as the next. Only together do the players make the team act as a single unit. Here are a number of Indian players who fill in different roles for the team that are worth having a look at:-

#5 Gouramangi Singh

Gouramangi Singh has been a crucial defender for NEROCA FC in I-League, helping them reach the finals of the championship. The Manipuri defender has won a range of domestic tournaments with his clubs, including the National Football League, the Federation Cup, IFA shield as well as the I-League.

He has a vast pool of experience and the sturdy stopper is a boon to any squad. Over the course of the 69 occasions that he represented his country, he cemented himself as a reliable veteran. The 32-year-old was essential to the Blue Tigers during the 2011 AFC Asian Games. Singh's transfer value is a dignified €150 thousand.

#4 C.K. Vineeth

Ever since Chekiyot Kizhakkeveettill Vineeth made the move from Bengaluru FC to Kerala Blasters, he has been a crucial inclusion for the side. Despite suffering a dismal season last year, in which he registered merely 4 goals against his name, the 29-year-old has shown his strength and an ability to rise up in tense situations for the team.

The midfielder’s considerable level of experience goes to show that the talisman would be looking for an opportunity to bounce back. Over the years, his stellar performances have helped clinch victory for whichever team he has played for. C.K. Vineeth is currently valued at €175 thousand.

#3 Subrata Pal

After the conclusion of 17/18 Indian Super League, Subrata Pal comfortably won the Golden Glove award for Jamshedpur FC. The goalkeeper conceded merely 15 goals from 18 matches. Even though the season concluded with Jamshedpur FC lingering in 5th place, Pal punched above his weight and was indispensable.

The ‘Spiderman of India’ walked into the limelight after joining his former club Mohun Bagan and was named in the senior national squad for the first time in 2007. The Arjuna award winner has represented India at all age groups. He also became the maiden Indian footballer to join the 1st Division Club of Europe after being signed by the Danish side, FC Vestsjaelland, in 2014. Pal currently has a worth of €175 thousand in the transfer market, worthy of his heroics.

#2 Jeje Lalpekhlua

The Chennaiyin FC striker became the highest scorer for an Indian Super League champion side this year, after netting 9 goals. The Mizo Sniper has been absolutely vital for his club, featuring in all 20 matches. He has assisted his side in winning two championship titles. The Mizoram born has been a dependable forward for the South Indian side throughout the tournament.

The forward has been a regular for the Blue Tigers as well. He was essential to the Indian team's qualification to the AFC Asian Cup and scored 6 goals in 8 matches during the qualifiers. His regular performances have helped him gain a market value of €250 thousand.

#1 Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri has had his name doing the rounds in the world of Indian Football ever since he first set foot in the domestic arena. The stalwart has become a staple presence in the Indian Football scene. He has been absolutely essential to whichever team’s jersey he has sported on the field.

The Indian skipper has had a wonderful season so far, scoring an admirable 20 goals. The striker has been invaluable as a leader, helping Bengaluru FC reach the finals of the Indian Super League. Bengaluru FC have also won the Indian Super Cup title on the back of his sublime guidance. He has served the national side for the past 14 years and yet shows no signs of fatigue. This has helped him become the most valuable player in India with a market worth of €275 thousand.

What do you make of these players and their values?Have your say in the comments section.

Edited by Zeeshan Ali