Three reasons why East Bengal should sign Lalchungnunga on permanent deal in January

The 21-year-old centre-back has played every minute for the Red & Golds this ISL season.

East Bengal have had a shaky start to the 2022/23 Indian Super League (ISL) season. Having won only one out of their first five games, things aren’t going according to plans. The Red & Gold Brigaders have failed to take flight under Stephen Constantine and seem to be lacking in key areas.

However, there are also some notable positives to have come from their outings so far. One of the bright spots has been their on-loan centre-back Lalchungnunga. The 21-year-old Aizawl FC product has been a revelation in the ISL.

He’s shown impressive maturity for his age and neutralized some major names in the ISL. The centre-back has been one of their best players so far and has proven himself as a cunning acquisition. But the reality is that he is only on loan and, for now, scheduled to return to Sreenidi Deccan at the end of the campaign.

East Bengal can’t let him go back. He is someone to invest in and trust for many years to come. Here are three reasons why the Red & Gold Brigaders should seriously consider signing Lalchununga on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.

3. Fulfills key role at East Bengal

Over the years, the ISL clubs have shown a reliance on having a commanding foreign centre-back. Some have even used two of their foreigner slots by playing two in the centre-back roles. However, with the 3+1 foreigner rule being implemented – teams have been forced into changes.

Now, everyone is looking for quality and preferably young Indian centre-backs. That’s why FC Goa rushed to sign Anwar Ali soon after he got a green light from the AIFF. East Bengal have possibly also hit gold with Lalchungnunga. The 21-year-old has all the qualities to develop into a proactive, quality Indian centre-back in the years to come.

His game-reading ability, solid physical attributes and calm nature can help him be a regular in the ISL. For a team that has perpetually changed their players since joining the ISL, East Bengal can definitely do themselves good by tying this centre-back to a long-term deal.

2. Possesses leadership skills

The surprisingly admirable aspect of Lalchungnunga’s game is he doesn’t show signs of fear. In his ISL debut in front of a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium against Kerala Blasters, he put in a fearless performance. The 21-year-old hassled the opposition forwards and kept them at bay for a long period of time before the late goal spree.

Even in the Kolkata derby, Lalchungnunga showed no signs of vulnerability against the menacing Dimitri Petratos. He neutralized his threat and barely offered him any sight at goal. Along with his fearlessness, the centre-back also has a commanding nature. He tends to motivate his players with his key challenges and force them forward.

The 21-year-old definitely has the attitude and personality of a leader. East Bengal can develop that aspect of him over the years, but for that, they’ll have to splash the cash and make his signing permanent in the winter.

1. Has qualities to be future India international

Lalchungnunga has been among the most promising Indian defenders in the ISL so far. In just five games, he has made 28 clearances, 10 blocks and 11 tackles. Not just that, but the centre-back has shown surprising calmness in moving the ball around. He has a 77.19% passing accuracy and averages 22.8 passes per game. He’s the overall package for a modern centre-back, with the potential to get even better.

That’s why Igor Stimac could be keeping a close eye on him. Lalchungnunga has the physicality to deal with foreign strikers. He’s also built quite well and has the aggression needed to neutralize opponents. The 21-year-old definitely has the qualities to be a player for the Indian national team in years to come. Sandesh Jhingan isn’t getting any younger and a prominent partner for Anwar Ali is needed.

East Bengal have the chance to promote a possible India regular from their ranks for the first time in many years. For that to happen, they’ll have to be swift and sign him permanently in January. If they don’t, they risk seeing another ISL side swoop in and make a deal to sign him next summer.