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The present season of the ISL has seen some amazing talents emerge, ranging from Indian to foreigners. Here are 5 youngsters who have made their opportunities count in the first half of the ISL:
Sarthak Golui
Sarthak Golui is currently on loan to FC Pune City from I-League club Mohun Bagan. Golui turned 20 on 3rd November 2017 but was signed by FC Pune City when he was still 19. The 20-year-old is quickly showing everyone why he is one of India's hottest prospects. He is rock solid at the back and is one of the reasons why FC Pune City are second in the table, just one point behind leaders Chennaiyin FC. He has made six appearances for the club so far. Golui has the fourth highest number of tackles amongst all players and even has an assist to his name.
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Jerry Lalrinzuala
Hailing from Mizoram, Jerry Lalrinzuala plays as a left back for Chennaiyin FC. This is the 19 year old's second season with the ISL club, he made 22 appearances for them in 2016. Jerry was sent on loan to I_League club DSK Shivajians where he impressed and made 18 appearances. Jerry has so far played all 8 games for Chennaiyin and provided solidity to the backline. He has 464 touches this season for Chennaiyin FC, second highest for the club, behind fellow defender Inigo Calderon. Jerry is surely one to look out for in the future.
Baoringdao Bodo
The winger from Assam is the second Chennaiyin FC player on the list. Chennaiyin FC are looking in red hot form this season with 16 points from 8 games. Although Bodo, who is 18 years old has only played one game, he became the youngest player to ever play in the ISL. Bodo played for I-League team Minerva Punjab FC earlier this year, scoring once in 10 appearances. Playing for Minerva FC, he found the back of the net against Mumbai FC which made him the youngest player ever to score in the I-League. The no. 21 also has an impressive record with the youth teams, having made appearances for the u-14, u-16 and the u-19 teams for India.
Ashique Kuruniyan
The 20-year-old plays for FC Pune City in the ISL and has impressed a lot of people with his performances this season. Kuruniyan holds the distinction of being one of the few Indian players who have played in Europe. He has played for Spanish club, Villareal's C team last year. The no. 22 has made four appearances so far and has scored once. His combination with Marcelinho upfront has yielded results for FC Pune City. Kuruniyan is all set to start more games for the Stallions as we enter the second half of the season.
Hitesh Sharma
Although the Kolkata based outfit haven't had the best start to the season, Hitesh Sharma has impressed everyone with his composure and control over the ball. Sharma has formerly played for I-League club, Mumbai FC before he joined ATK this season. The no. 18 has made five appearances for the club so far and is looking sharp. Hitesh's agility and swiftness is something ATK need going forward in the season. ATK are currently seventh and play their next game against FC Goa on Wednesday.
