Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 culminated with Chennaiyin FC being crowned champions for the second time in three seasons. Some of their key contributors during the campaign were individuals like Anirudh Thapa and Dhanpal Ganesh. The two young Indians yielded their influence in midfield for the Marina Machans and played pivotal roles in their title triumph. Several other breakthrough stars made a name for themselves in Hero ISL 2017-18 with some eye-catching performances that thrusted them into the spotlight. Here, we have a look at the revelations from the season gone by.

Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)

The 20-year-old showed immense potential and used his pace and silky feet in a commanding manner at the heart of midfield. He was the orchestrator behind several attacks from midfield and ended the season with a couple of goals to his name, including his side’s crucial away goal against Goa in the first leg of their semi-final.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Delhi Dynamos FC)

The pacey 20-year-old was a one of the few positives of Delhi’s otherwise underwhelming campaign. Chhangte’s quick change of pace, combined with his ability to pick out key passes helped Delhi’s attack to a great extent. He also demonstrated good dribbling ability and bagged three goals as well as three assists.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga (Jamshedpur FC)

Yet another 20-year-old, Jerry was one of the most influential attackers for Jamshedpur this season. While his team went on to become renowned for their solid defensive displays, he pulled the strings moving forward and helped provide as well as score himself. Jerry is quick and an excellent dribbler with a low centre of gravity and finished the season with a goal and three assists to his name.

Lalruatthara (Kerala Blasters FC)

The 23-year-old showed a lot of promise in defence and was effective with his surging runs down the flanks as well as his solidity at the back. Quick and strong, Lalruatthara made a number of key tackles and interceptions. He’s one for the future for both club and country and was adjudged to be the Emerging Player of the Season. Lalruatthara’s 85 tackles is also the joint second-most by a defender in the campaign.

Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Ghanaian midfielder was a colossus presence in midfield for Kerala all season. His abundance of energy and tireless running with as well as without the ball meant that he was always in the game. The 23-year-old also showcased maturity beyond his years by picking the right moments to attack with his powerful runs forward, while also knowing when to hold his position. He ended the league stage with a goal and five assists.

Adil Khan (FC Pune City)

One of the most versatile players in the league, his attacking prowess was as commendable as his defensive fortitude. Khan won most of his aerial duels and proved to be a big threat from attacking set-pieces. His tally of four goals is particularly impressive seeing that he mostly played the holding role in Pune’s midfield. He also managed an amazing 70 tackles this season.

Dhanpal Ganesh (Chennaiyin FC)

The 23-year-old was a versatile player in the Marina Machans’ squad. A useful defensive midfielder, who was also solid as a defender, Ganesh was always on his toes to sniff out any danger. A difficult player to outfox, he was also a threat during attacking set-pieces. Ganesh managed two goals, including one from a header against the Gaurs in his team’s second leg in the semi-final.

Thiago Santos (Mumbai City FC)

The young Brazilian was one of the standout performers for Mumbai in Hero ISL 2017-18 and was involved in most of their attacks. The 22-year-old ended the campaign with five goals and an assist but would have been disappointed not to have made the semis. Thiago’s intelligence and guile with the ball makes him one of the Islanders’ most promising young talents to keep an eye on in the future.

Deependra Negi (Kerala Blasters FC)

The 19-year-old appeared in only three matches, but nonetheless left a mark. After coming on as a substitute against Delhi Dynamos in a match where Kerala were trailing, Negi scored with his first touch in Hero ISL before going on to win the penalty that won his team the game. A quick midfielder, Negi has a bag full of tricks up his sleeves and will surely be a force to reckon with in the future.

Vishal Kaith (FC Pune City)

The FC Pune City custodian displayed fine form between the sticks for the Stallions as the men in orange made their maiden semi-final appearance. Kaith’s performance in goal for Pune saw him make 45 saves in 17 appearances with a minutes-per-goal-conceded ratio of 80.53 minutes. He kept seven clean sheets for Pune over the course of the season and even earned a call up to the national setup from coach Stephen Constantine after some strong outings. His penalty save against Chennai’s Rene Mihelic was one of his highlights of the season.