Top five goalkeepers to watch out for in ISL 2022-23

These custodians could be the difference makers in the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League.

The 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is right around the corner. Football fans in the country have been waiting patiently for the premier league competition in India to start. Last season saw Jamshedpur FC winning the ISL Shield while Hyderabad FC won the ISL Trophy, thereby shaking the power structure of the competition.

There will be many top players in the new ISL season that will take to the field. Among them will be goalkeepers who are essential to the success of their teams. In the modern era, a goalkeeper starts the build-up play and must be good with his feet on the ball. They must also be quick to sense any danger behind the defensive line and be ready to advance to avert any danger.

In the upcoming 2022-23 season, the ISL will have several good-quality goalkeepers. Here is a look at five custodians to watch out for in the ISL 2022-23 campaign:

Prabhsukhan Gill (Kerala Blasters)

Kerala Blasters reached the final of the ISL 2021-22 season thanks to the reliable Prabhsukhan Gill between the sticks. The custodian was a consistent performer for the whole campaign. He made 47 saves, which was the third-highest total for a goalkeeper in the league last term.

Furthermore, he kept seven clean sheets, which earned him the Golden Glove award. The 21-year-old is the future of Indian football and is already one of the best goalkeepers in the country. He will again play a crucial role and is one to watch out for.

Laxmikant Kattimani (Hyderabad FC)

Laxmikant Kattimani saving three penalties in the final of the ISL 2021-22 saw Hyderabad FC winning the trophy and their first major silverware in Indian football. The custodian made 61 saves across the campaign, which was the highest number of saves for a goalkeeper in the competition.

Hyderabad FC will step into the upcoming ISL 2022-23 season as defending champions and the pressure will be immense. Laxmikant Kattimani made three appearances in the recent 2022 Durand Cup and came away with a clean-sheet. 

Phurba Lachenpa (Mumbai City FC)

Phurba Lachenpa has slowly cemented his place in the starting lineup of Mumbai City FC. Despite competition from the likes of Mohamed Nawaz and newcomer Bhaskar Roy, he will likely retain his spot in the team because of his qualities that align with Des Buckingham’s tactics.

He is exceptional on the ball and distributes it with confidence. The 24-year-old made six appearances in the 2022 Durand Cup. He also made five appearances in the AFC Champions League and kept two clean sheets.

Amrinder Singh (Odisha FC)

Amrinder Singh will write a new chapter in his career after he signed for Odisha FC ahead of the new season. The former BFC, MCFC and ATKMB star goalkeeper will represent the Kalinga Warriors in ISL 2022-23, hoping to lead the team by example.

Amrinder Singh is the all-time leading player with the most clean sheets in the Indian Super League. He has kept 37 clean sheets in 117 games. He has won both the ISL and the I-League and will use that experience to help OFC.

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (FC Goa)

Dheeraj Singh Moiranghtem is still one of the finest shot-stoppers in Indian football. Despite an underwhelming performance last season, the custodian will be one to watch out for in the upcoming ISL 2022-23 campaign. 

Dheeraj Singh holds the achievement of becoming the first Indian player to feature in the AFC Champions League Team of the Tournament. The 22-year-old will be central to FC Goa’s resurgence under new manager, Carlos Pena.