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Amid the hype and hoopla surrounding the Indian Super League, the premier league of the country – I-League has been pushed to the backbench for the last couple of years. With the ISL getting the prime time on television. many don’t even know that a parallel league is going on too!
After the departure of Bengaluru FC, the shine of I-League has faded. But there is some interest left as both Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are yet to jump ships into the ISL. Apart from them, there’s one more point of interest this time, the introduction of Real Kashmir.
Being the first team from the war-torn area, Real Kashmir has already generated many fans outside its periphery. People are watching their games on television with great interest. Even foreign media came to Srinagar to witness the journey of Real Kashmir.
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As many as 29 matches have already been played in this campaign and 77 goals have been scored. Chennai City are leading the chart with Indian Arrows, the youngest squad this year reeling at the bottom.
It may be the second tier league, but some new and exciting talents have already emerged along with the old horses. In this article, we have picked 11 of them who will play in 4-4-2 formation. Due to the team capacity, we have to leave out some players but they will definitely get a place in the squad of eighteen.
Honourable mentions: Rakshit Dagar, Arijit Bagui, Abhishek Das, Albert Zohmingmawia, Pintu Mahata, Rahul Kannoly and Danish Farooq.
Goalkeeper
Bilal Khan (Real Kashmir FC)
Real Kashmir made their debut in this season’s I-League and along with other unknown players, goalkeeper Bilal Khan also made a name for himself. Bilal hails from Khurja in Uttar Pradesh and has played for Gokulam Kerala last season.
Real Kashmir have conceded only three goals this season, which is the least among 11 teams. One of the main reasons for this is the excellent performance of Bilal. On an average, he pulled two or three brilliant saves in every match. He is tall and that is an advantage for a goalkeeper. Moreover, he has good reflexes and can dive both sides at will.
Against Mohun Bagan, he saved a shot from goal line which earned praise from the supporters. He also impressed in their very first match against Minerva Punjab. Among the Indian goalkeepers, he’s surely ahead of everyone right now.
Defenders:
Manoj Mohammad (East Bengal)
Many eyebrows were raised when East Bengal coach Alejandro Menendez introduced him in their very first match, despite having more options on the left back position. But the boy from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal has only impressed since his debut.
A product from the East Bengal academy, Manoj can provide the solidity on the left-back position and can overlap to provide crosses to the strikers. He doesn’t have a good physique, but it’s really difficult to get past him.
Edwin Sydney Vanspaul (Chennai City FC)
Chennai City may have conceded eight goals this season, but the performance of Edwin Vanspaul stood above everyone. Vanspaul can go up and down constantly and chase the strikers. He has good tackles and has the ability to mark a player. Against East Bengal, he had played a major role in keeping Jobby Justin and Enrique Esqueda under check. He played every match for Chennai City this season and will be looking for more improvement in the upcoming fixtures.
Muhammad Hamad (Real Kashmir)
Muhammad Hamad almost decided to be a cricketer before a practice game in the vicinity landed him in the world of football. One of the main reason behind Real Kashmir’s triumph in the second division I-League last season is Hamad. His talent was discovered by none other than legendary Kashmiri footballer Abdul Majeed Kakroo. This season, Hamad has played all the matches for Real Kashmir and his impressive performance made him immensely popular among the locals. To finish in a respectable position, Real Kashmir would look to Hamad’s performance.
Lalramchullova (East Bengal)
The footballer from Mizoram had started his career with Aizawl FC. He was a vital part in Aizawl FC’s title-winning team. After an average debut season with East Bengal, Lalramchullova is, at last, finding his form under Menendez. East Bengal won their first two away games and in both the matches, Lalramchullova played brilliantly. He thwarted every attack from the right side. He also combined with the central defenders.
Midfielders
Arjun Jayaraj (Gokulam Kerala)
He has been a threat for most of the teams who faced Gokulam Kerala this season. With his raw pace and brilliant skills, he can create chances quickly and even score goals himself. He did that last year against Shillong Lajong with a brilliant goal down from his own half. This year against Mohun Bagan and Chennai City FC, he played with domination and determination. He can be useful as a left winger.
Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal)
The East Bengal captain is like the midfielder you want to have in your team. Apart from his excellent skills and speed, he can keep the ball for long and provide deadly passes. He is useful as a set-piece taker too and can score goals with his sublime long-range shots. He is associated with the red and golds for long, so he knows the league very well.
Sourav Das (Mohun Bagan)
Many people may not know his name and Sourav Das loves it too. He is a silent killer. You will find it hard to spot this young man in the field. Sourav is box-to-box midfielder. So, he can useful when the team attack. He can also come down to defend when the team is in trouble. He’s speed and passing accuracy is also impressive and that’s why Mohun Bagan coach Shankarlal Chakroborty includes him in his team every time.
Rajesh Soosainayagam (Gokulam Kerala)
Rajesh is also a revelation of this year’s I-League. He first caught the eye in the game against Mohun Bagan. The green and maroons were leading by a goal in the half time. But the introduction of Rajesh changed of the complexion of the match in the second half. Mohun Bagan defenders looked shaky in front of his threatening runs down the line. After that match, Rajesh is founding his place regularly in the team and he’s making his contribution too. He’s a natural right winger for the team.
Strikers
Naorem Mahesh Singh (Shillong Lajong)
Shillong Lajong have opted to play with all Indian players this time in order to promote local talents. They may have won only one match this season, but they are successful in their aim. The locals are inexperienced but they are skilful, they have the agility and guile to fight for. They have shown that in every match.
One of their revealed talents is surely Naorem Mahesh Singh, who scored two goals in their opening match against Aizawl FC, eventually, the only match Lajong have won till now. The first goal was from a blistering left-footed curler. The second goal was cool and calm finish. He also impressed in the next matches but couldn’t get his name on the score sheet. But the way he finishes things off certainly gives him the position on this line-up.
Jobby Justin (East Bengal)
The only Indian striker in the top scorers' list is Jobby Justin. He scored three goals so far, including a brace against Neroca FC. He belongs from a state where people eats and sleeps football. Being a Keralite, he never had any problem in pursuing his footballing career. He is born with immense talent and he perfected it with hard work and perseverance.
He’s been with the red and golds for the last couple of years. Last year, he scored three goals from nine matches. In this campaign, he already registered three out of four matches. The Thiruvananthapuram-born was picked by East Bengal scouts who were sent to see players from Kerala Premier League.
The club has not been disappointed so far. Jobby failed to shine in the last Calcutta Football League but under Menendez, he’s found the confidence which was missing. He is the most deserving candidate in this team.
