Top 10 youngsters to watch out for in Durand Cup 2021

As many as 16 teams are set to participate in the month-long tournament.

The 130th edition of the Durand Cup is set to kick-off on September 5, 2021. While it has been now reduced to virtually a pre-season tournament, it’s still guaranteed to be a competitive one. Granted, the Indian Super League (ISL) sides might not field their strongest teams, but they will give opportunities to some of their quality talents.

The I-League, Second Division League and Army teams also have some exciting players, who will look to impress in this prestigious tournament. While a lot of eyes will be on the foreigners and top domestic talents, this is the perfect stage for the youngsters to excel.

For many young players, it could be a platform to catapult their chances of featuring regularly in the ISL or I-League. So let’s take a look at 10 youngsters to watch out for in Durand Cup 2021.

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10. Faisal Ali (Mohammedan Sporting)

The Black Panthers will aim to begin their campaign on a high by challenging for the trophy. With home advantage by their side, Mohammedan Sporting are determined to play some exciting attacking football. Winger Faisal Ali should receive plenty of opportunities and prove his impressive potential.

The 21-year-old had a memorable debut I-League campaign with the Kolkata-based side in the previous season, scoring two goals in 12 appearances. With his pace, impressive movement and decent final product, Ali could be an unpredictable threat for them.

9. Komal Thatal (Jamshedpur FC)

Like they did in the previous edition of the Durand Cup, Jamshedpur FC are probably going to play their reserves side once again this year. However, this could act as a perfect time for their new summer signing Komal Thatal to shine. The talented winger struggled to play for his previous employers ATK Mohun Bagan and has moved to the Men of Steel in search of more time on the pitch.

Thatal’s impressive dribbling ability, special touches and threat in the final third makes him a menace for any defender. The 20-year-old has a lot to prove at his new club and it would be wise to keep an eye out for him.  

8. Himanshu Jangra (Delhi FC)

The youngster is one of India’s fastest-rising no.9 prospects and is intent on making this his breakthrough season. The 17-year-old is one of those throw-back strikers and knows how to get things done inside the penalty area. Himanshu Jangra is surprisingly strong, possesses impressive hold-up & link-up-play ability, and is a neat finisher.

He scored five goals in four appearances in the Himachal Football League in the previous season for Techtro Swades United. Jangra has impressive aerial abilities and can score headers with relative ease. He’ll look to make an impact for Delhi FC in the Durand Cup and prove his goal-scoring ability with some eye-catching goals.

7. Manvir Singh (Sudeva Delhi)

Namesake to the India International and ATK Mohun Bagan star, Manvir Singh is hoping to walk in his footsteps to the top. The Sudeva Delhi striker is another potent center-forward with a real eye for the goal. Now in his second season for Sudeva Delhi, the 20-year-old wants to steal the show. Young Manvir is has impressive physical capabilities and likes to trouble the opponent defenders.

He might have only scored one goal for Sudeva in the last season in 11 appearances, but is growing as a striker with experience. Sudeva will hope to unleash the best version of Manvir this season and hope he helps them go deep into the tournament.

6. Mohammad Nemil (FC Goa)

One of the most promising future stars of Indian football, Mohammad Nemil will play a senior footballing competition in India for the first time during the upcoming Durand Cup.

The youngster has already been making headlines for a few years now, playing games regularly and scoring goals at will in the junior divisions of the Spanish football league system. A product of Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) and the Marcet Academy in Spain, Nemil has the potential to become one of the best in India.

5. Devendra Murgaonkar (FC Goa)

Devendra Murgaokar was one of FC Goa’s surprise picks in the AFC Champions League, despite not being a regular in the team. However, his impact from the bench was memorable as he helped the Gaurs take the fight to the opponents. Murgaokar’s high energy levels, pace, and composure in the final third make him a real threat in the attack.

He proved his ability and made an impact in the AFC Champions League, troubling defenders with his clever work in the final third. The Gaur will be determined to make a big impact in the pre-season to increase his chances of starting for FC Goa in the ISL. The Durand Cup sets the perfect stage for him, where he can shine to impress head coach Juan Ferrando.

4. Phrangki Buam (Mohammedan Sporting)

Mohammedan recently made a major coup by signing young winger Phrangki Buam from FC Goa on a season-long loan. The exciting winger’s electric nature makes him a very exciting prospect to watch. Buam should be ready to feature in the Durand Cup as he aims to gel with his teammates before the I-League begins.

The 20-year-old brings a spark to the Black Panthers’ attack with his dribbling ability and tricks. Buam can also finish chances with efficiency and is creative enough to benefit Mohammedan’s attackers in the final third. As he aims to have a successful season with the Black Panthers, performing strongly in the Durand Cup can help him to accomplish the objective.

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3. Givson Singh (Kerala Blasters)

Givson is rated among the most talented young midfielders in India right now. A former Indian Arrows player, he will be one of the Kerala Blasters starlets to look out for in this season. Givson only made three appearances (all from the bench) for the Blasters in the previous season but should get more opportunities this time. The 19-year-old is a very talented midfielder, possessing excellent passing range, composure, and set-piece ability.

Givson’s set-pieces are extremely difficult to defend against and he creates a lot of chances through them. The 19-year-old will be key in helping the Blasters dominate games in the Durand Cup and will be one of the most integral players in their squad.

2. Narayanan Sivasakthi (Bengaluru FC)

Sivasakthi impressed for the Blues in the AFC Cup 2021, scoring in their final group stage game against Maziya S&RC. Prior to that, he also did well in the BDFA Super Division League, scoring goals for fun. While it was only last year that he joined Bengaluru FC, he first proved his worth much earlier - with Raman Vijayan Soccer School (RVSS) in the Hero Elite League.

Though not a physically imposing figure, Sivasakthi's style of play is suited to his stature. His best qualities include dribbling, close control, agility and pace. Apart from scoring boatloads of goals, he also creates plenty of chances for his teammates. The youngster can also play all across the front three and even as an attacking midfielder through the centre.

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1. Makan Winkle Chothe (FC Goa)

While he didn’t get much playing time in the AFC Champions League, Makan Winkle Chothe was signed by FC Goa to be their future. The exciting 21-year-old looks destined for a bright future and will hope to get a spot in the Gaurs' starting XI this season. He can ensure that by performing strongly in the Durand Cup.

Chothe is a terror to play against because of his pace, dribbling ability, and incredible skill on the ball. He might be on the shorter side, but is a livewire in the final third, capable of bewildering opponents. He will look to be FC Goa’s focal point in the Durand Cup and weave his magic.

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