Former Shillong Lajong captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia joins Kerala Blasters

The midfielder spent last season on loan at I-League outfit Minerva Punjab.

Kerala Blasters have roped in former Shillong Lajong captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia on a three-year deal.

The 21-year old attacking midfielder has been one of the standout performers in the I-League for the last few seasons. He peaked in the 2017-18 campaign and became a top target for many clubs across the country.

Samuela did not have a great 2018/19 season with Shillong Lajong, as the Reds were relegated, after fielding an inexperienced all-Indian side. He was then loaned out to Minerva Punjab for their AFC Cup campaign, where he featured only thrice as the Warriors failed to get past the group stage.

Samuel came through the ranks of the highly-rated Shillong Lajong academy. He has also featured for the club in the Shillong Premier League and back in 2015, he announced his arrival as league's top scorer. The versatile forward has featured in 65 matches for his boyhood club and scored 13 goals, while also providing seven assists in the time period.

He was also awarded the I-League U-22 Player of the Season in the 2017/18 season for his exceptional performance and leadership skills.

Samuel will be a great addition to the Blasters squad as he can play in multiple positions in attack and is also lethal from set-piece situations. In his career, Samuela has featured mostly as a #10, but he can also play upfront and on either flank if needed. His inclusion will allow Eelco Schattorie more variety upfront and will add a different dimension to their attack this season.

The Blasters already have a formidable squad and have made some stellar signings in the transfer window. They want to get back to winning ways this season, after a disappointing Indian Super League campaign last time out, where they finished in ninth position securing only 15 points.

Hence, Schattorie and his new recruits will look to turn the tables this season and will hope to bring glory to their passionate supporters.