Top 10 young players who impressed in Durand Cup 2023

Several young talents took center stage at Durand Cup 2023

The 2023 Durand Cup was a competition filled with top-notch football played between the nation’s biggest clubs. The competition was filled with spectacular moments of drama and high-end action, as Mohun Bagan took centre stage and won the competition after an electrifying derby final against East Bengal. 

The 2023 Durand Cup also saw many youngsters making their mark on the national scene, mesmerizing onlookers with their brilliant performances. 

So today, we take a look at the top 10 young players who impressed at Durand Cup 2023:

10. Robin Yadav

Robin Yadav had a great Durand Cup campaign with Bengaluru FC. The young right-back was clinical with performances and even got a goal to his name.

Robin’s accurate passing and sturdy defensive abilities made him a star performer for the Blues in the Durand Cup and earned him a lot of plaudits. 

9. Ramhlunchhunga

Hyderabad’s horrific 2023-24 season had a spark of positivity, as the Nizams found many talented youngsters under their roof, with Ramhlunchhunga being amongst the best of them. 

Ramhlunchhunga had a goal and an assist to his name in three group games in the Durand Cup, including a stunning Olympic kick against Delhi FC. 

8. Ayush Adhikari

Chennaiyin FC’s fresh recruit Ayush Adhikari also had a lot to show in the Durand Cup, as he made his mark in the competition.

Ayush got an assist in Chennaiyin’s opener and was a key cog in midfield, playing several progressive passes and controlling the midfield with his impeccable technical abilities. 

7. Bekey Orom

Bekey Orom’s performances in the Durand Cup caught the eye of NorthEast United and convinced them to buy the 19-year-old young talent. Orom played all of Bengaluru’s games in the Durand Cup and caused havoc in midfield.

Orom’s blistering pace combined with his crisp passing made him a menace for every defence. Orom also got an assist to his name against Kerala Blasters in a 2-2 draw. 

6. Mohammed Aimen

Despite not having a great Durand Cup campaign last season, Kerala were successful in finding a true gem in the look of Mohammed Aimen.

The then 20-year-old attacker had three goal contributions to his name in just three games, including an assist against Gokulam and a goal against Bengaluru. Aimen carried his fine form into the following ISL season, making 20 appearances for the Tuskers. 

5. Lalengmawia Ralte

After a difficult start to life with Mumbai, highly-talented midfielder Apuia finally found his footing with the Islanders in the 2023 Durand Cup campaign.

Ralte was a key figure in the midfield for Des Buckingham, contributing in all forms with his simple and effective style of play. 

4. Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali had an impressive Durand Cup campaign with Mohun Bagan last season, as he helped his team lift the title. Anwar was solid at the back throughout the tournament, dropping a defensive masterclass in every game he played. His exploits made him a regular starter in the team in the following ISL season. 

Also, Anwar scored an all-important goal against Mumbai in the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup, sealing the victory for his side.  

3. Parthib Gogoi

Parthib had a campaign to remember. Gogoi finished as the second-highest goalscorer in the tournament, behind Mohammedan SC’s David Lalhlansanga, who scooped the Golden Boot award. Gogoi also scored his first hat-trick as a professional player in NorthEast United’s Durand Cup opener against Shillong Lajong.

The Durand Cup set the tone for Gogoi’s lustrous spark, which took the ISL by storm and introduced a new bright talent in Indian football.

2. Prabhshukan Gill

Signed from Kerala Blasters in the summer transfer window, a lot was expected from Gill ahead of the Durand Cup and the youngster certainly delivered. Gill was rock-solid between the sticks and was a key cog in Carles Cuadrat’s side that finished as runners-up. 

Gill’s terrific performance at crucial times allowed East Bengal to stand firm and find their way into the final, where despite their best efforts, the Red and Gold had to settle for a loss. 

1. David Lalhlansanga

David Lalhlansanga made headlines in the Durand Cup last year, as he won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in just three games. David’s brilliant stint saw him net four past Jamshedpur FC, and also find the back of the net against Mumbai City. 

The 21-year-old forward displayed his attacking prowess to the fullest and made his mark at the tournament. 

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