Why Lalrinliana Hnamte deserved his Indian Football Team call-up?

Hnamte has had an impressive start to his 2024-25 ISL campaign with Chennaiyin FC.

Indian football team manager Manolo Marquez has called up Chennaiyin FC’s Lalrinliana Hnamte before the international break. The central midfielder is part of a 26-man preliminary squad for the game against Vietnam on 12th October. 

The 21-year-old has impressed in his three outings for the Marina Machans in the Indian Super League (ISL) so far. But has the midfielder done enough to be a part of the national team? 

Lalrinliana Hnamte’s early days

The Mizoram-born midfielder was part of the FC Pune City U-18 squad where he played in the U-18 I-League. After this, the youngster represented Chanmari FC and also plied his trade for Hyderabad FC’s reserve side in I-League 2, India’s third division. 

Lalrinliana Hnamte’s ISL journey 

Owing to the midfielder’s prowess in the lower division, East Bengal signed Lalrinliana Hnamte in 2021. The youngster cemented his position in the starting XI and played 17 games for the Red and Gold brigade in ISL 2021-22. 

Hnamte’s performances for East Bengal impressed their city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and the Mariners signed the player in 2022. The Mizo midfielder won the ISL Cup, ISL Shield, and the Durand Cup in his two seasons with the Green and Maroon brigade. However, a lack of playing time eventually forced the player to look for other options, ending his 2-year stint with the Kolkata giants. 

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Chennaiyin FC came calling for Hnamte in the 2024 summer transfer window. Presently, the 21-year-old is plying his trade as a central midfielder in Owen Coyle’s side. In his three ISL appearances for the Marina Machans, Hnamte seems to be filling the void that was left by Anirudh Thapa’s departure. 

While Chennaiyin have not had the best of starts, Hnamte has been the stand-out Indian player for the Marina Machans alongside Farukh Choudhary, who has also been selected in the preliminary squad by Manolo Marquez. 

Will Lalrinliana Hnamte start for the Indian football team against Vietnam?

Lalrinliana Hnamte will be competing against the likes of Suresh Wangjam, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh, and Apuia for a spot in the central midfield for the Blue Tigers. 

While Hnamte’s pass success rate is lesser than his counterparts so far in this ISL season, the Chennaiyin FC player has impressed in his defensive work. The 21-year-old has won 16 duels in midfield, made 12 recoveries, and two interceptions in three ISL games so far. 

Manolo Marquez will likely start with Suresh Wangjam, Apuia, and Anirudh Thapa in the midfield against Vietnam. However, a second-half appearance as a substitute looks likely for an ever-improving Hnamte as the former India U-23 international seems keen to make his debut for the senior team.  

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