Talking Points: Is Mahesh Singh the next star in making from Shillong Lajong's ranks?

The Reds fielded an all Indian squad, setting a precedent of sorts in the top flight.

Shillong witnessed a mouth-watering contest on Sunday evening as Shillong Lajong upstaged Aizawl FC by a scoreline of 2-1 in the first northeastern derby of the new I-League season. With temperatures dropping to around 17ᴼ C on a pleasant Sunday evening, the young blood injected by the home side made mercury levels soar as the Reds’ supporters made their voices heard.

The hosts drew first blood as Naorem Mahesh Singh's Lionel Messi-esque left-footed curler went past Aizawl goalie Gurpreet Singh in the 20th minute. Naorem again came to haunt back the Mizo-side in the 51st  minute when he completed his brace. The visitors pulled one back via Ansumana Kromah's conversion from a spot kick. Aizawl put fresh legs in the second half to salvage a point, but to no use.

Here are the talking points from the game.

5. Lajong’s youngsters prove to be a handful for Aizawl FC

After adopting a no-foreigner policy that raised quite a few eyebrows initially, Alison Kharsyntiew's bunch of young bravehearts made a huge statement on Sunday evening. The 2016-17 I-League champions were taken on the backfoot right from the start as the boys in Red showed their brilliance all over the park. For those who doubted Shillong Lajong’s bold decision to go all out with home-grown talents, here’s a statement!

4. Aizawl looked sloppy at the back

With the Aizawl defence holding a high line on the field, the centre-half pairing of experienced Kareem Nurain and new boy Lalrinchhana look a tad slower to move back when the home side tried to hit them on the counter. The wingbacks too found dwindled in pace as skipper Samuela and Naorem Mahesh Singh ran the show up front.

3. Aiban Kupar Dohling proved to be a rock at the back for Lajong

Sporting a cute little ponytail, much like Croatian centre-back Domagoj Vida, Aibanbha was deployed as a wide wingback when Lajong looked comfortable with three at the back early in the first half. Going to the referee’s books in only the 19th minute, the Lajong academy graduate showed enough maturity and did all the dirty works at the back.

In the second half, the home side retorted back to a four-defence with Aiban in the heart of the rear guard. His headed defensive clearances were a treat to watch for onlookers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Nevertheless, the Shillong Lajong shotstopper deserves equal praise.

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2. Aizawl attack missed absolute dollies

In top-tier football, you are expected to do the unthinkable. On the flipside, Aizawl FC frontline comprising of Leonce Dodoz and Ansumana Kromah missed a couple of clear chances each at the very least, in either halves of the game. Gift Raikhan has some immediate headache to cure, especially converting those abslute sitters, if his side aims to pose challenges to the big boys outside the northeast.

The experienced people in the team never looked bothered about trying to fight back the opposition and weared a casual approach as the young Reds ran the show in their own turf.

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1. Naorem Mahesh Singh is a star in the making

His technique, temperament, composure and most importantly the finishing – all were top notch. With a brace to his name, the youngster tried and tested the Aizawl backline and eventually succeeded in finding the back of the net, once in each half. Naorem was well complimented by captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia who played the role of a No.10, after commanding the game from the midfield last season.  Naorem has certain announced himself on the big stage.