Scouting Report: Who is Chennaiyin FC's midfield starlet Jiteshwor Singh

The 20-year-old was named the I-League 2021-22 Best Midfielder of the Season.

Chennaiyin FC recently announced the signing of 20-year-old Jiteshwor Singh on a multi-year deal. The midfielder joined the Marina Machans ranks after three impressive seasons at NEROCA FC.

The midfielder won the I-League's Emerging Player of the Season award for 2021-22 which gives ample evidence of his talent. Jiteshwor chipped in with an assist to show for his efforts with NEROCA FC last season. But he is a player that goes beyond just the raw numbers. Jiteshwor adds strength and pace to Chennaiyin FC's ranks. His addition is sure to refresh the midfield under new coach Thomas Brdaric.

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Scouting Report

Age: 20

Date of Birth: December 10, 2001

Position: Midfielder

Background

Despite his young age, Jiteshwor Singh possesses a good amount of experience having played three seasons in the I-League. He also featured for Bhawanipore FC in the 2020 I-League qualifiers. Therefore, the young midfielder is well ingrained in the Indian football system.

All-in-all, Jiteshwor has made 40 appearances in total across his three seasons in professional football. He has two assists to show for his contributions.

The 20-year-old primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, but has the capability to take up any position in the midfield. Jiteshwor is another great export from the state of Manipur and will now team up with fellow statesman Ninthoinganba Meetei at Chennaiyin FC.

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Positives

As mentioned before, Jiteshwor's capability to play anywhere in the midfield is a testament to his flexibility. The Manipur-born player is confident and capable on the ball and is also tenacious off it. He doesn't shy away from a challenge and always looks for a chance to get on the ball and drive his team forward.

Playing with another forward-minded midfielder in Anirudh Thapa is sure to make him better and the duo could strike up a good connection. Despite his young age, he plays with maturity beyond his years. Having made 40 appearances in three seasons shows that Jiteshwor wears a steady head on his shoulders. His role in Chennaiyin FC can be considered similar to the role of Liverpool FC skipper Jordan Henderson.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdaric is typically expected to play a possession-based 4-2-3-1 formation. Therefore, adding Jiteshwor to the side provides improved defensive midfield quality. It is a department that Chennaiyin FC have clearly been lacking in the last few seasons.

Aspects to improve

Despite his positives and quality, Jiteshwor is only 20 and has plenty of things to improve. His inclination to get into challenges often sees him commit needless fouls which can hurt the flow of the game. Playing with the likes of Thapa, Mohammad Rafique and other experienced campaigners is sure to make him think better on and off the ball. This will surely help him with his decision-making.

Jiteshwor also needs to improve on his heading ability which is an important trait for playing in the ISL. For this, he would need to improve on his existing physicality to ensure that he can shrug the quality midfielders in the ISL. Other traits like passing and movement are sure to improve by themselves as he gains more experience playing with top-quality players in the ISL.

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Future

“I am very excited to join Chennaiyin FC and can’t wait for pre-season and to meet my new teammates. I will work hard to play in the starting eleven." These were the words of Jiteshwor Singh upon signing for Chennaiyin FC.

The young midfielder is an exciting addition to the Marina Machans who have also added wingers Vincy Barreto and Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Monotosh Chakladar, Sajal Bag, Aakash Sangwan, and Fallou Diagne. Playing under a new coach and in new surroundings is sure to get him and the team excited.

It remains to be seen if Jiteshwor will be the first choice right from the start. But if he stays true to his words said above, then it is only a matter of time before that bears fruit.

Ultimately, the 20-year-old will be looking to add on his laurels and achievements from last season and put in a good first impression in the ISL. If his talent and his performances are anything to go by, the only way is up for the talented midfielder from Manipur. A lot of Chennaiyin FC fans would be expecting him to set fireworks off at the Marina Arena next season.

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