I-League 2017, East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: 5 Indian youngsters who could light up the Kolkata Derby

The iconic Kolkata derby is the sacred platform where boys become men, reputations take a beating and stars turn into legends. From PC Lalawmpuia to Azharuddin Mallick to Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri, this encounter has had a telling effect on all these careers. As we are on the cusp of another epic encounter between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, here's a look at the youngsters who can own the stage today and become an immediate fan-favourite:

#1 Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (Mohun Bagan)

The former FC Pune City footballer who made his name during a loan spell at Churchill Brothers in 2016-17, continued the impressive show in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) with his fast sprints down the flanks in the Green and Maroon jersey.

The man from Meghalaya, who, is just 20-years-old, incidentally made his I-League debut for Churchill Brothers against East Bengal last season. He even managed to score three goals for the Goan club and two of those were winners against Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan.

Lyngdoh is a witty customer who can link up pretty well with Mohun Bagan’s star forwards – Dipanda Dicka and Ansumana Kromah. He has the potential to become the next big thing in Indian football and couldn’t have asked for any better platform other than this.

#2 Mehtab Singh (East Bengal)

The teenage midfielder belonging from Khemkaran village in Punjab worked his way into the East Bengal senior team after putting in hard shifts for the Red and Golds in U-18 I-League.

Khalid Jamil likes to play him as a fullback and after trying him out in CFL, the East Bengal head coach also handed the Punjab lad an I-League debut in the last game against Aizawl FC.

Mehtab knows what it is like to score in a derby as he had netted a winner against Mohun Bagan in U-18 I-League, last year. He may not be required to do the same this time around but Mehtab would be eagerly awaiting to leave his mark on this epic clash.

#3 Raynier Fernandes (Mohun Bagan)

After getting a taste of the I-League in 2016-17, the former Air India footballer fitted quite well in the Mohun Bagan line-up in CFL. However, bigger challenges await as Sanjoy Sen is keen on regularly fielding the 21-year-old in Bagan’s promising midfield.

He has the capability to put the strikers through on goal, a trait which the fans would love to see on display as often as possible. Fernandes can also take control of the midfield if Sony Norde ventures into the opposition box at regular intervals.

East Bengal players have faced Fernandes in CFL and they would definitely try to keep the ball away from him as the midfielder can create a magical pass from nowhere.

#4 Lalramchullova (East Bengal)

The 21-year-old is a trusted warrior of Jamil, who gave direction to his career during their Aizawl days. The results were already on show as Lalramchullova dictated terms in the midfield and defence against his old club in his first I-League game for East Bengal.

Being nibble-footed and well built helps the Mizoram lad to take tackles in his stride and also foil attacks from the opposition. Like all men from the mountains, he has an uncanny pace which helps him threaten defenders at will.

He was brought on as a substitute in the Aizawl game and Jamil’s tactics might be same for this encounter too if he needs to inject some life in the second half of the tie.

#5 Salam Ranjan Singh (East Bengal)

In the absence of experienced Arnab Mondal, the former Bengaluru FC player is entrusted with the responsibility of manning East Bengal’s defence alongside Eduardo Ferreira. This is no mean task, especially in a Derby, as the young defender faces the likes of Sony Norde, Dipanda Dicka and Kromah against Mohun Bagan.

At 21, the Manipur lad already has enough I-League experience under his belt and has also featured in some ISL games, apart from wearing the national jersey on a few occasions. He is East Bengal’s man for the future and the derby has come at the right time for him to make a mark.

Edited by Soumo Ghosh