I-League: Five talented youngsters making their mark this season

The campaign has started quite well for some of these boy wonders.

Apart from being unpredictable the I-League has been a hotbed of bringing up talented Indian youngsters. The clubs have a sense of attachment to promote their local talents and in that attempt, most of the Indian football stars of today were once emerging youngsters in the I-League some years ago. So, we at Khel Now will look at the top five emerging youngsters in the ongoing I-League 2019-20 season: [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

5. Ayush Adhikari (Indian Arrows)

The youngster has already represented Delhi in the Santosh Trophy and was also the top scorer for his team. He was spotted by Shanmugan Venkatesh and what an addition he has been to this Indian Arrows side. Ayush is quite versatile, predominantly an attacking midfielder, who can also slot in as a forward in a false nine. His ability to hold the ball in tight areas and find teammates in space proves that he is ahead of his time in terms of maturity and a little guidance may take him a long way in the race. The versatile midfielder has become the fulcrum of this Arrows side in no time and his goal and Man of the Match performance against NEROCA FC was evidence of it.

4. Laishram Premjit Singh (TRAU FC)

From Delhi, we go straight to the northeast, Manipur to be particular, where both NEROCA and TRAU have made it mandatory to promote local talent. One such talented player has to be TRAU FC's, Premjit Singh. At only 17, Premjit have shown stellar skills with the ball and even without it. A tireless runner on the right flank and his ability to run past defenders at will makes him a special prodigy. His combination with Krishnananda Singh and Phalguni Singh has been the epicentre of TRAU's attacking forays. The only areas the winger needs to improve is his final delivery and decision-making. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] He was influential against East Bengal and despite his side losing the match, he was rightfully given the Man of the Match award for his plaudits.

3. Subha Ghosh (Mohun Bagan)

The journey from being a known name in West Bengal to become a household name in Indian football is tough, but this youngster has the tenacity and will-power to make it big. Rising from the Mohun Bagan academy, he was promoted this season by coach Kibu Vicuna mainly due to his ability to pop-up in right spots in attack. When Mohun Bagan were completely down and out against Churchill Brothers, Subha Ghosh rose to the occasion like a phoenix. The 19-year-old came on on as a substitute for the last 10 minutes and created three chances, out of which he scored once. His ability to latch onto those second balls near the box and be at the right place at the right time, makes him a proper striker by instinct. However, Ghosh is still a raw product and needs improvement in a lot of areas before he starts for the Mariners. But, with two goals from three matches in just 57 minutes of play in the league, one simply cannot ignore the talent. [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] While India's search for their next superstar striker continues, who knows it can be Mohun Bagan's Subha Gosh making it big in the world stage in a few years!

2. Paul Ramfangzauva (Aizawl FC)

While jotting down a list of talented I-League youngsters, you simply can't ignore the talent that Aizawl FC possess. Every year there is some difficulty or the other but still, they manage to unearth talented players. One such name has to be Paul Ramfangzauva. The 20-year-old midfielder was also a mainstay for the Reds last season, but this season he has been stellar. Starting from his creativity to his ability to win back possession, Paul looks like a seasoned player alongside Alfred Jaryan. His ability to take top-notch set-pieces makes him one of the best youngsters in the I-League. While he has already registered two assists, Paul is much more than set-pieces. He has that potential to become a solid midfielder with all-round skills with or without the ball. [KH_ADWORDS type="1" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] While India are looking for creativity and energy from their midfielder, Paul Ramfangzauva is young, fast and precise with his deliveries. He fits the bill perfectly and with little grooming, this youngster from Aizawl can be a mainstay in the Indian national team in future.

1. Sk. Sahil (Mohun Bagan)

A student by morning, a regular Mohun Bagan player by evening, the rise of Sk. Sahil has been monumental in the last 3-4 months since Kibu Vicuna's arrival. Sahil impressed the Spaniard while representing the academy and soon became a part of the senior team. However, now the journey to becoming a first-team regular is even more difficult. But the 18-year old midfielder fought his way through and in a crowd of Spanish players in midfield. Barrackpore's Sk. Sahil has made a name for himself. The Mohun Bagan academy graduate has been immaculate with his ball control in the midfield and his ability to resist press from opposition players makes him a very crucial player for the Mariners. He has a tremendous work ethic and his ability to cover the back-line has allowed Joseba Beitia to play in a more advanced role. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Despite being young, Sahil has a great head on his shoulders, his maturity goes beyond his age and if nurtured properly, the youngster can be the next big thing in Indian football in some years. Sahil deserves a lot of credit for all the success that has come Mohun Bagan's way this season and will be instrumental as we enter the business end of the season. Honourable Mentions:- Samik Mitra (Indian Arrows), Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Makan Winkle Chothe (both Punjab FC), Rochharzela (Aizawl FC), Konsham Phalguni Singh (TRAU) & Chanso Horam (NEROCA).