Top five young players who can benefit from Manolo Marquez's tenure

Manolo Marquez is renowned for his commitment to youth development.

After the retirement of Sunil Chhetri and the departure of Igor Stimac, a new era will begin for the Indian football team with the announcement of the new head coach. The AIFF have officially announced the appointment of Manolo Marquez as the head coach for the Indian football team.

The Spaniard will assume his new role with immediate effect. Manolo Marquez will also continue his duties as the head coach of FC Goa for the 2024-25 season, effectively balancing his responsibilities between club and the country

Manolo Marquez brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the landscape of Indian football. He has an impressive track record which has proved his ability to nurture young talent.

Known for his unwavering belief in youth, he has consistently provided opportunities to young players at both his clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL). Players like Liston Colaco, Akash Mishra, Ashish Rai, Nikhil Poojary and Jay Gupta have made significant strides under his stewardship at both the club as well as the national level. His ability to identify raw potential and transform players into match-winners has been prominent, making him an ideal fit for the national team role.

Here are five payers who could benefit from Manolo Marquez being appointed as the head coach.

5. David Lalhansanga

David Lalhansanga was one of the newest faces to have made it to the senior Indian football team squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The 22-year-old Mizo striker began his journey as he rose through the youth ranks at Aizawl FC. David also played a pivotal role in Mohammedan Sporting Club’s maiden I-League triumph by contributing with five goals and two assists.

4. Edmund Lalrindika

Edmund Lalrindika may be new to the senior team but he is no stranger to donning the Indian jersey. The Mizo forward has been a regular starter for Indian youth teams since the 2013 SAFF U-16 Championship, where he clinched the title, His journey continued through the AFC U-16 Qualifiers, the SAFF U-18 Championship and the SAFF U-19 Qualifiers.

Edmund also showed impressive form for Inter Kashi, where he contributed six goals and nine assists and played every single match. The newly-formed club secured a commendable fourth-placed finish in the I-League, with Edmund being the standout performer.

Edmund is a versatile forward and is capable of operating in multiple attacking positions, While his preferred role is on the left flank, he possesses the adaptability to contribute effectively in all positions across the frontline.

3. Asish Rai

Asish Rai’s football journey began at the FC Pune City U-18s and he was sent on loan to Indian Arrows. His journey continued as he signed for Hyderabad FC, where they went on to win the ISL title in 2021-22 under Manolo Marquez.

Rai’s move to Mohun Bagan Super Giant marked a new chapter in his career. His contributions were instrumental in Mohun Bagan’s dominance, as they clinched the Durand Cup, the ISL title and the ISL League Winners’ Shield.

In the 2023-24 season, Asish Rai featured in 18 matches, contributing to three clean-sheets. His defensive prowess was evident in 13 successful tackles and eighth aerial duels.

Despite being a defender, Asish Rai was also instrumental in initiating attacks, with 12 chances created. His defensive awareness and work-rate were showcased with 78 recoveries and 21 clearances. His all-round abilities were further highlighted with a goal against his former club Hyderabad FC

2. Parthib Gogoi

With the Indian team in dire need of goalscorers, in the absence of Sunil Chhetri, Parthib Gogoi is one of the new faces among those who are expected to fill his boots. Having missed out on playing the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers due to a minor injury, Parthib is someone who is known to score from long range and shoot from distance.

Parthib has been a strong player for NorthEast United and has gained a lot of experience in his past two seasons with the club and the Indian U-23 team.

His impressive goalscoring abilities were evident in the last season as he found the net three times from eighth attempts. He grabbed the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick for the Highlanders in the Durand Cup. He contributed five goals and two assists to NorthEast United’s ISL campaign.

1. Jay Gupta

Jay Gupta’s success under Manolo Marquez has been nothing short of remarkable. After honing his skills in Portugal, the Pune-born defender joined FC Goa in the 2023-24 season on a two-year deal. Consistency in his performances, highlighted by crucial goals and assists, quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most promising young players.

Jay Gupta had a standout season for FC Goa. He made 25 appearances for the Gaurs and had nine clean-sheets, 19 interceptions, 33 clearances, with two goals and three assists, He contributed offensively by creating 30 chances, 131 duels won and 148 recoveries. Jay Gupta made his highly anticipated debut for the Indian national team against Kuwait and performed commendably.

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