Why ISL clubs should replicate Hyderabad FC on developing youngsters

The Nizams scripted a memorable season with a number of starlets flourishing in their ranks.

Before the season, there was much discussion on the proposed ‘3+1’ foreigners rule in the Indian Super League. Some supported the cause thinking it would give more Indian players a chance on the big stage. Meanwhile, some also expressed doubts over the quality of the game with less foreigners on the pitch. However, Hyderabad FC had other plans.

The Nizams, who came in as underdogs, delivered a bolt from the blue for everyone. With just four foreigners in the starting XI in the opening game, Hyderabad FC put up a memorable display. The pace and style of play that the team displayed, served as an answer to those who doubted what the quality of the game would be with fewer foreigners. Aridane Santana’s penalty won them the match, but the young faces won hearts on that evening.

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As the saying goes, ‘The first blow is half the battle.’ The youngsters, off to a great start, only got better as the season progressed. For those that watched the likes of Asish Rai and Akash Mishra progress through the Indian Arrows, their talent wasn’t unknown. However, one must certainly take into consideration the ease with which the duo blended into Manolo Marquez’s system.

In addition, the likes of Hitesh Sharma and Mohammed Yasir also flourished in midfield. From swift transitions, short passes and picking up second balls to showing the urge to win the ball back once lost, the midfielders came of age to make the game their own.

Then there was the former FC Goa duo of Chinglensana Singh and Liston Colaco. In the earlier seasons of the ISL, they had provided a glimpse of their talent. Both waited for years to find the right opportunity to unleash their potential and this term, they finally did. The former was as robust as any other experienced centre-back in the league. With six clean-sheets and more than 84% passing accuracy across 18 games, Chinglensana gave it his all.

On the other hand, Colaco was a shining beacon in Hyderabad’s attack. An impact substitute in most of the games, the 22-year-old took his time to earn a place in the starting XI. His blistering pace and fearless dribbling haunted the sturdiest defences. Colaco’s impact was such that he single-handedly turned results around.

Despite such lively performances from the youngsters, it was very unfortunate that Hyderabad FC did not qualify for the playoffs. They didn’t just defeat the comparatively weaker sides, but caused trouble for the title contenders too. Draws against formidable opponents such as ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC were a testament to their calibre. As a result, Manolo Marquez earned the respect of Indian football fans for his work.

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Where most coaches would hesitate to hand youngsters key roles, Marquez did so as a norm. His faith was rightfully repaid by the players and it gave them the necessary boost in confidence. He tactfully used each player to their strengths and allowed them the freedom to express their skills on the pitch. He did all this while staying true to his style of play.

Not many coaches can achieve what the Spaniard did in a short span of time. Under his leadership, it wasn't just players like Rohit Danu who stood to gain, but someone like Halicharan Narzary, who hasn't had the best time in the past few seasons, also stepped up to the plate.

Besides Marquez, one cannot ignore the involvement of senior players like Santana. With games played behind closed doors, one could actually hear players like him guiding the youngsters. The Spaniard led the team by example and dutifully played the role of the leader.

It was no surprise than that six players from the club made it to Igor Stimac’s final squad for the international friendlies in March. Infact, the national team head coach was left impressed with the progress the Nizams made. “I am quite happy with what I have seen this season, especially with Hyderabad, which was the greatest and the best surprise of this ISL season,” he quoted in an Instagram live session with the ISL.

“I felt sorry at the end for Manolo Marquez and his boys, who worked very hard, who played most of the games with only three foreign players in the starting lineup. It proved and showed us that we are right and Indian and homegrown players deserve more chances and more place for their development.”

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Hyderabad FC’s youngsters dazzled ardent Indian football fans, but they certainly weren't the only ones who did. Many others like Lalengmawia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahim Ali, Ishan Pandita, Princeton Rebello and Paul Ramfangzauva also grabbed eyeballs. That indicates the capabilities of Indian youngsters. However, not all of these players could fully bring the best of their potentials during the season for several reasons.

What Hyderabad did was certainly a step in the right direction. The other clubs in the league should certainly take a leaf out of the Nizams’ book in this aspect. That is, Indian youngsters have the quality to match their foreign counterparts in the ISL. They just need to be groomed in certain aspects of the game. Coaches need to instill faith and confidence in them. Results will follow.

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