ISL 2019-20: How have India's U-17 World Cup stars fared in the league so far

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 held in India was, without doubt, a breakthrough for football in the nation. The tournament that spanned from 6th to 28th October was India's first-ever appearance in the World Cup at any age. Having been qualified as the hosts, the Blue Colts played three games without tasting success but managed to leave a mark through Jeakson Singh's goal against Colombia U-17.

The squad under Luis Norton de Matos was taken abroad for exposure trips and training programs. In an appreciatable move by the AIFF, the historic batch was kept together by reintroducing the Indian Arrows project. Though a few players from the squad decided to move out and join other clubs, a handful of the players continued with the development side.

After a season or two with Arrows, most of the players from India's only FIFA World Cup campaign is now settled in with big-name ISL clubs. While some have become integral parts of their clubs, others are still waiting for opportunities to come their way.

Here, we look at how India's U-17 World Cup stars have fared in the ISL this season.

#1 Dheeraj Singh (ATK)

One of India's most-talked-about prospects from the tournament was the custodian, Dheeraj Singh. After a season with Indian Arrows in the I-League, Dheeraj moved to Kerala Blasters for the 2018-19 season. However, the Manipur-born player's transfer to ATK in this summer hasn't gone well in terms of game time.

Dheeraj hasn't played a minute for the two-time champions, being on the bench for every game this season. With Arindam Bhattacharya putting up a good show between the sticks, playing time would be difficult for the keeper, at least this term.

The youngster is one of the brightest prospects in India and is sure to attract more offers. It has to be seen whether Dheeraj Singh stays at Kolkata for long-term development or leave in search of game time.

#2 Prabhshukhan Gill (Bengaluru FC)

Prabhsukhan Gill was an unused substitute in India's all three games at the U-17 World Cup. The keeper was with Indian Arrows until last season and moved to ISL champions Bengaluru FC. However, at BFC too Gill has been a bench warmer under Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Aditya Patra being another option for Carles Cuadrat, Gill would find it difficult to find some time on the field as Bengaluru FC.

#3 Jitendra Singh (Jamshedpur FC)

Jitendra Singh had featured for India in the U-17 World Cup during their fixtures against USA and Ghana. The defender went on to join the Arrows setup and developed his career with the two seasons there.

Before the 2019-20 season, Jitendra made the big move to Jamshedpur FC in the ISL and has so far played 371 minutes in five matches. With an average of 31 passes per game and eleven tackles through the season, the Kolkata-born looks to be a part of the club's future. The 18-year-old has a smooth road ahead with Antonio Iriondo extending opportunities to his players regularly.

#4 Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC)

Suresh Singh played the World Cup fixtures against USA and Ghana and later plied his trade for Indian Arrows for two seasons. In total, the midfielder donned the U-17 national jersey in 30 matches.

Leaving Arrows, Suresh joined Bengaluru FC before the ongoing season and has played 119 minutes from five games. The Manipur-born player has also been appearing for the BFC Reserve side and is a product still under development with the club.

Playing alongside big names like Sunil Chhetri, the youngster is sure to make progress in the coming seasons.

#5 Amarjit Singh Kiyam (Jamshedpur FC)

Amarjit Singh Kiyam (left) (Image Courtesy: ISL)

Amarjit Singh, the captain of the side, has been the biggest achiever, two years down the event. The midfielder has already represented the national senior team and grabbed praise from the gaffer Igor Stimac.

Amarjit played two seasons for Indian Arrows, including a loan spell from Jamshedpur FC. The 19-year-old was all set to make his ISL debut when he suffered an arm injury during a national team practice session in August.

However, Amarjit has recovered now and played three matches for the Red Miners this season. He has made a notable impact with 117 passes and 20 tackles within a short period.

#6 Ninthoinganba Meetei (NorthEast United)

Ninthoi featured for the U-17 side in all three matches, starting two and coming on as a substitute against Ghana. After Arrows, the 18-year old penned a contract with NorthEast United.

He has played 113 minutes in five games for the ISL side and made four tackles and five crosses. With only 62 touches on the ball, Ninthoi has still not blended into the league. Still, the youngster is in Robert Jarni's good books and has been receiving chances lately. The lad has a promising career ahead with NorthEast and will most likely receive more time on the field in the upcoming matches.

#7 Komal Thatal (ATK)

Komal Thatal is another player from the ATK setup waiting for playing time. The winger played the World Cup fixture against USA and was one of the few players who didn't join the Arrows side. Thatal instead signed a contract with ATK and has been at the club ever since.

In the 2017-18 season, the Sikkim-born played two matches, debuting for the club in January. The following season, under Steve Coppell, Komal Thatal featured in12 games and scored one goal, against Bengaluru FC.

However, as Antonio Lopez Habas' took charge of the club before this season, Thatal's playing time has dropped badly, to only six minutes after 14 league games.

#8 Lalengmawia (NorthEast United)

Lalengmawia, currently part of NorthEast United, appeared for India U-17 in two World Cup games as a second-half substitute. After the FIFA event, he joined Indian Arrows and played 13 games in two seasons.

Lalengmawia playing his debut ISL season, has appeared in 5 games and influenced the game in the middle of the park whenever possible. He has impressed with an average of 41 passes per game and 37 tackles and 17 interceptions.

In a squad with plenty of experience, the youngster has been healthily fighting for opportunities.

#9 Jeakson Singh (Kerala Blasters)

Jeakson Singh is part of India's football history as the first goal-scorer in a FIFA World Cup at any age level. The midfielder played two games and scored the goal against Colombia, India's only goal in the tournament.

Jeakson joined Kerala Blasters after his Indian Arrows stint and is now a regular at the Blasters lineup. Eelco Schattorie entrusted the young boy with his defensive midfield duties, and it is safe to say that the 18-year-old has not disappointed.

From 11 matches, he has made 48 tackles and completed 402 passes at an accuracy of 84%. Jeakson hasn't shied away from challenging the big names in the league and is a valuable asset at the Kochi-based club.

#10 KP Rahul (Kerala Blasters)

KP Rahul, who played all three matches for India at the U-17 WC, had a memorable time with Indian Arrows in the I-League, between 2017 and 2019. The winger scored six goals, grabbing attention with his skills and abilities.

Rahul signed for his local club Kerala Blasters before the 2019-20 season and started well with his pacy runs and attacks down the flanks. However, an injury has forced his appearances to five and goals to one. With Schattorie repeatedly stating his weakness on the wings, Rahul will be his first-choice once fit to go.

#11 Rahim Ali (Chennaiyin FC)

Rahim Ali donned the Indian colors thrice in the tournament, twice as a substitute. After a development stint with Arrows, Ali moved to India's top-division by signing for two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC.

At Chennai, the forward has been behind the ranks of stellar performers like Nerijus Valskis, Andre Schembri and Lallianzuala Chhangte. He has made five appearances, most coming off the bench. From 92 minutes, Rahim Ali has completed two shots and 53 touches on the ball.

#12 Aniket Jadhav (Jamshedpur FC)

Aniket Jadhav, labeled as one of the brightest attacking prodigies in the country, made his ISL debut with Jamshedpur FC this season. After the U-17 World Cup, he joined Indian Arrows and played 18 matches in two seasons.

Aniket, at Jamshedpur, has been offered a much superior role than his batchmates at other clubs. The 19-year-old has played 10 matches and scored once from 13 shots. Despite Farukh Choudhary, CK Vineeth and Sumeet Passi edging in with experience, Ainket has managed to grab attention within the team.

The forward, if can tweak his minute flaws, might be another contribution to the national team.

Edited by Alan John