ISL 2018-19: Viking FK show interest in Lallianzuala Chhangte, yet to request Delhi Dynamos for longer trial

Delhi Dynamos winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, who is undergoing a trial with Viking FK, has to cut his stint in Norway abruptly and return to play an Indian Super League (ISL) match for his club against Bengaluru FC.

Chhangte had his first training session with Viking on Sunday but he'll get only a couple of more chances to impress the staff at the Norwegian First Division club, based out of Stavanger.

Chhangte has to leave Norway on Wednesday, Feb 13, and return to India by Feb 15 to resume training with Delhi Dynamos, who will face the table-toppers BFC on Sunday, Feb 17.

According to a Norwegian media report, the first impression that Chhangte managed to make on coach Bjarne Berntsen was hugely positive but the Viking FK coach wondered if his club really needed Chhangte at this point of time.

"He is very quick and has good ball control. The close technique and balance is also good, you see that he is a good player. He reminds me of Alanzinho who was in Stabaek (another club in Norway).

"Exciting. But the question is whether we need such a type of player now," Berntsen told the Aftenposten outlet.

Stabaek is where another Indian, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, played for 3 years before moving to Bengaluru FC on a transfer fee.

The report adds that Viking would have preferred it if Chhangte had been in Norway for a period of 8 to 10 days for his trial, but Sportskeeda has learnt that Delhi Dynamos sent him on only a one-week trial from Feb 8-15.

Even though Viking claim the first impression was positive, they are yet to request Dynamos for a longer trial. Chhangte has to return to Delhi at any cost by Feb 15 and perform his duties for Dynamos.

Chhangte can see out his contract with Dynamos, which expires on May 31 this year, and return to Norway for a further trial with Viking. It's unsure if Viking want to see more of the player later on though.

"It's not that easy to say what we can get out of the two days here," Chhangte told the Aftenposten. "It was good to get trained with the team. It's not different to what we do in India. Still, it's a new challenge for me, and I'm willing to work hard to get the chance.

"It will be a big step for an Indian player to get to Europe and play. It's my dream. I don't know what's going on in the future. I haven't signed with any clubs in India yet," Chhangte added.

Chhangte has played all 15 matches for Delhi Dynamos, clocking 1,272 minutes on the pitch. He has scored 4 goals for them so far and provided one assist.

Chhangte is an asset to have for any side. The 21-year-old's strength lies in his ability to pump in crosses from the left flank. So far, Chhangte has 63 crosses for Delhi Dynamos with a passing accuracy of 57 per cent.

The Mizo player has also been called up for India's U-23 squad for the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers in Uzbekistan in March.

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