Scout Report: What can we expect from FC Goa's Thongkhosiem Haokip?

Haokip has joined FC Goa on loan from Pune FC (Image Courtesy: Goal)

For those who don’t follow the I-League much, Thongkhosiem Haokip is a 22-year-old forward from Gangpijang, Manipur. Haokip has represented the state in all age groups and also played for local side United Sports Association before announcing himself to everyone on the big stage.

Background

In 2011, Haokip joined the Pune FC Acadamy and played for them in the Under-20 I-League and various other tournaments. While with the Pune Academy, Haokip won back-to-back I-League U20 titles in both 2012 and 2013.

In April 2012, he became the first academy player to score a hat-trick for Pune when he scored three goals against HAL. In the 2013-14 I-League season, Haokip was promoted to the Pune first-team. He made his professional debut on 29 September 2013 against Shillong Lajong. Then, in Pune's very next match – against Mohun Bagan – Haokip scored his first professional goal, scoring the opener for Pune in the 72nd minute as the club went on to win 2–0.

His goal made him only the second ever Pune FC Academy player to score for the senior team after Nikhil Kadam. Haokip then made his international club debut on 29 January 2014 in a qualifying match for the AFC Champions League against Vietnamese side Hanoi T&T.

In July 2014, Haokip had been called-up to the India U23 30-man squad to participate in a preparatory camp for the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea. He made his official international debut for the India U23 side on 20 August 2014 in a friendly against Pakistan U23.

In July 2015, Haokip was drafted to play for FC GOA in the 2015 Indian Super League.

Strengths and Weakness

The FC Goan has all the attributes of a modern-day forward. He is good while in possession and also works hard without it. He is of a rare breed of forwards who combine qualities of strikers across the eras. But one of his biggest strengths is his movement off the ball and the power in his shots. With the ball at his feet, he always means business.

The 22-year-old can also play as a supporting striker or just in the hole, behind the striker. Haokip has only one minor weakness and that is his lack of speed. He is not one of the quickest forwards around, but he isn’t a slouch either. If he continues his development, he can surely manoeuvre around his only weakness.

What can Haokip offer FC Goa?

Haokip proved his mettle last season by scoring seven goals in the 2014-15 I-League which not only made him the highest Indian scorer in the league, but also earned him Football Player’s Association of India (FPAI) for the ‘Best Young Player of the Season’ award. This is a big recognition for the 22-year-old who is set to play his maiden ISL campaign with FC Goa.

The Pune FC youth product enjoyed a breakout season last year, but may find it hard to break into the FC Goa starting XI due to the competition for places.

With seven strikers vying for one place, Haokip may find it difficult to find game time in his maiden campaign. But the Manipuri lad will have to patiently wait on the wings for his opportunity just like he did at his parent club, Pune FC.

Haokip has been blessed with a good physique and a decent pace, which are valuable qualities for a forward to possess. More importantly, the 22-year-old has an eye for goal which will keep him in good stead as his career progresses.

Haokip may struggle to find game time, and may have to wait for his opportunity. But, the striker is known to take his chances when they come along, as demonstrated during his time with the Red Lizards.

Whenever called upon by Zico, the lanky forward will use his pace and darting runs into the opposition box to good use. He has also been gaining the reputation of being a clinical finisher which is good news for Zico.