Young Indian stars to watch out for in ISL-5

Top 5 Indian stars you have to watch out at Indian Super League this year. Soosairaj will be making his debut this season, but he is not new to football.

 

After a breakthrough season with both club and country, the 20-year-old will be expected to continue his development. The diminutive midfielder possesses a wide passing range and his terrier-like work-rate is a constant source of frustration for opposition players. He should, however, improve his passing accuracy. It was only 65% in 2017-18.

Soosairaj is not new to the Indian football scene, although he will be making his ISL debut this season. He has great vision, range of passing and an eye for goal and was an inspirational figure in helping Chennai City FC avoid relegation in the I-League last season. The 23-year-old attempted the most dribbles and suffered the most number of fouls in the 2017-18 I-League.

Photo: Tsering Topgyal

Dheeraj Singh's stock rose after his acrobatic saves in the U-17 World Cup last year. After a trial period with Motherwell FC in the Scottish Premiership earlier this year, the 18-year-old goalkeeper signed for the Blasters in June. However, the youngster will have his task cut out if he is to start in goal over the experienced Naveen Kumar.

The Delhi outfit boasts a promising pool of talented Indian youngsters. Vinit Rai, 20, will be one among them who will be hoping to cement his position in the starting XI after an impressive breakthrough campaign. The 20-year-old midfielder was a key figure in India's run to the final of the SAFF championship in Dhaka which comprised U-23 players. A good first half of the ISL could see him force his way into the senior squad for the Asian Cup in January.

The left-footed winger is full of tricks and pace. Ashique made his ISL debut last season under former coach Ranko Popovic where he went on to add further eight appearances under his belt. The 21-year-old's impressive performances earned him his first India cap in June and his first international goal at the SAFF championship.

After just two appearances in the ISL, Sahal impressed in the I-League second division for the Kerala Blasters reserves. The midfielder scored seven goals which helped the Blasters finish top of its group. The 21-year-old, who also scored in the senior team's pre-season win over Thailand's Port FC B, will be keen to force his way into the first team selection in the upcoming season. The Kannur-based youngster also has the backing of former Manchester United player Wes Brown to make huge strides in Indian football.

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After a breakthrough season with both club and country, the 20-year-old will be expected to continue his development. The diminutive midfielder possesses a wide passing range and his terrier-like work-rate is a constant source of frustration for opposition players. He should, however, improve his passing accuracy. It was only 65% in 2017-18.