I-League: Five breakthrough stars in 2019-20 season

The campaign saw a few young custodians step up their game to make a name of their own.

The I-League might’ve been cut short due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, but the league definitely lived up to its reputation for producing some of Indian football's fastest rising stars this season. While Kibu Vicuna glistened the youth stars of Mohun Bagan, a number of youngsters from all around the league also lived up to their potential to inspire their respective teams.

Though a few youngsters took the backseat, others grabbed the limelight with everything they had. Just like other years, the I-League provided the platform to multiple formerly lesser known players to make their mark. Khel Now takes a look at the five breakthrough stars of the I-League 2019-20 season:

5. Sk Sahil - Mohun Bagan

While Nongdamba Naorem might’ve earned much of the plaudits for his evolution under Vicuna, it was young Sk Sahil who actually broke barriers to make himself a pillar in Mohun Bagan’s I-League success. He was never expected to play virtually every game in their title-winning campaign, but made himself a constant from the very first match. Sahil's proactive demeanour, sacrificial nature and determination to dominate the midfield proved great boons for Bagan.

With 90 ball recoveries in the whole campaign, 64 interceptions and a 50% tackling success in 17 appearances, his dogged approach greatly aided the Mariners' backline. However, Sahil was also clever in distributing possession, maintaining a terrific 87% passing accuracy from 545 attempted passes, making it easier for Joseba Beitia to run the show.

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4. Givson Singh - Indian Arrows

After impressing for a number of years for the various India youth level national teams, Givson Singh finally received his opportunity in the big time under Shanmugam Venkatesh’s guidance.

The teenager often featured for Indian Arrows in the heart of midfield and was given enough license to dictate their game. With his accurate set-pieces, impressive passing ability as well as link-up play, Givson gave opposition midfielders a hard time with his tenacious style.  

He managed to get two goals and as many assists, but also shone in other departments. He attempted 868 passes with a passing accuracy of 78%, which included 32 key passes. Not just that, his slick work with the ball is proven by his 64% dribbling success from 42 dribble attempts. His 52 interceptions also show how he was a dynamite for the Arrows in midfield.

3. Rochharzela - Aizawl FC

The 21-year-old came through the Aizawl FC academy and thrived under the guidance of Stanley Rozario. Being allowed by the coach to play his natural game definitely helped, as Rochharzela’s unpredictability caught many defenders off guard.

Not just is he a pacy customer with plenty of tricks in his arsenal, his instincts to get into right positions as well as impressive off-the-ball movement helped terrorize defenders this season. Rochharzela scored six goals despite having an XG (expected goals) of just 4.3, meaning he outdid his own statistical evaluation.

Indeed, he ended up being the highest-scoring Indian player in the league with those strikes and also helped set things up for his teammates. With 24 key passes, he created at least one chance every game and boasted a 72% passing accuracy despite all the experimentation. Roccharzela’s fearless style allowed him to break through and gain attention from India’s very best.

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2. Makan Winkle Chothe - Punjab FC

While Makan Winkle Chothe has been a part of Punjab FC’s squad for the past few years, this was the season he was unleashed on the I-League. He grabbed his opportunities with both hands to introduce himself to the Indian football fraternity in style.

The winger’s ability with the ball bewildered defenders, as his dribbling mixed with his directness made things very uncomfortable for many. He made 14 appearances for Punjab, scoring twice and assisting one goal, but his overall work deserved more.

Chothe mixed all his elements perfectly with his crosses from the wings, creative passes and link-up play all adding a different dimension to Punjab’s attack and helping them open up defences more easily.  

1. Sandeep Singh - TRAU FC

The Shillong Lajong academy graduate had a very stop-start career before arriving at TRAU FC, who were themselves playing in the I-League for the first time in their history. However, the circumstances didn’t irk him at all and Sandeep finally proved how good a defender he is.

After a shaky start to the season, he helped fortify TRAU’s defence and rack up the clean-sheets. Indeed, the side ended up with five clean-sheets in 17 games, the second-most in the league after Mohun Bagan. Singh’s assertive, no-nonsense defending aided greatly in ensuring that.

The 25-year-old boasted some superb defensive stats, averaging more than 12 challenges, three tackles and six interceptions every game! Not just that, his 81% passing accuracy from 488 passes proves how he's become a complete defender. It’s no surprise Kerala Blasters snapped him up even before the league season finished, as Sandeep now aims to test his mettle against national team regular Sandesh Jhingan next season.

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