Indian Football: 5 Youngsters who could make their debut under new coach Igor Stimac

#4 Komal Thatal

Komal Thatal is the youngest goalscorer in the history of ISL

Komal Thatal was touted to be India's next rising star when the country hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. However, coach Luis Norton de Matos gave him only one start against the USA as the Portuguese didn't deem him physical enough to compete against the likes of Colombia and Ghana.

Amidst rumors of a tiff with De Matos, Komal Thatal signed for ATK in the 2017-18 season of ISL where he made two appearances as a substitute. The next season, he became the youngest goalscorer in the ISL when he scored against Bengaluru FC in a league encounter.

The flashy winger can play on either side of the pitch, with his dribbling skills and trickery creating constant menace for the opposition defenders and helping the team win fouls in vital areas of the pitch. Komal also represented India in the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers where his shot in the 89th minute against Uzbekistan was the closest the team came to scoring a goal.

Komal was also included in India's preliminary squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and for the friendly against Jordan. The 18-year-old should give tough competition to Udanta Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan for a place in the starting line-up.