Top five young performers in I-League in 2023

23-year-old Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia has scored nine goals in 10 matches for Aizawl FC.

The I-League has played a significant role in the history of Indian football, providing players with a platform to showcase their skills and establish themselves on the football field. This tournament has been instrumental in allowing players to prove their worth in the sport.

Since its establishment in 2007, numerous young talents have emerged who subsequently represented the nation on the global stage, leveraging their performances in the prestigious league.

In the seasons 2022-23 and 2023-24, several promising youngsters emerged as significant figures in the league, capturing the attention of the football community. In this article, we will focus on the young players who left a mark at the league with their significant performances. 

R Lalthanmawia (Aizawl FC)

Lalthanmawia has consistently been a crucial figure for Aizawl FC in the midfield, both in the current season and the previous one. Hailing from Mizoram, this 21-year-old player predominantly operates as a midfielder or winger for the team. His remarkable ability to conjure opportunities out of thin air sets him apart and distinguishes him as a special talent. 

With a tally of three goals and five assists last season and two goals and three assists this season, he emerges as a player of significant importance to keep an eye on in the I-League.

Huidrom Naocha Singh (Punjab FC)

Huidrom Naocha Singh had the opportunity to play for Punjab FC during the previous season, as he was loaned out by Mumbai City FC for a brief period. Singh showcased his skills representing Punjab in the I-League and achieved a remarkable feat by winning the title.

With an impressive ability to distribute the ball and unwavering self-assurance, he served as a reliable defender who, alongside Valpuia, established an impregnable partnership, ranking among the league’s most formidable defensive duos. His exceptional performance was instrumental in Punjab’s triumphant pursuit of the championship title.

Lalchungnunga Chhangte (Rajasthan United FC)

Lalchubgnunga Chhangte, a 22-year-old footballer, is currently on loan from Hyderabad FC to Rajasthan United FC until the end of May 2024. Chhangte, who primarily plays as a winger, has showcased exceptional skills during his time on the field. In the ten matches he has participated in, he has scored two goals and assisted in two others. 

With a remarkable pass accuracy and a perfect record of scoring from the two shots he has taken on target this season, Chhangte is undoubtedly a promising young player to watch out for in the future.

R Lalbiakliana (Sreenidi Deccan)

The 19-year old Lalbiakliana became a member of Sreenidi Deccan in August 2023. Since then, he has consistently displayed his skills during the ongoing I-League season. The talented individual from Mizoram has already scored two goals for his team and has proven to be an effective asset in the offensive formation, showcasing an impressive attacking prowess. 

He also made notable advancements for Sudeva Delhi in the previous season, demonstrating his skills by scoring three goals and providing two assists. 

Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia (Aizawl FC)

The most promising young talent in I-League this year has undeniably been Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia of Aizawl FC. Widely regarded as the upcoming star in Indian football, the 23-year-old player has already demonstrated his abilities by scoring 9 goals in the ten matches he has participated in, making him the leading goal scorer of the season. 

Furthermore, he has successfully contributed with an assist for his team. It is worth noting that he even achieved a hat-trick in the match against NEROCA.

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