Top domestic players who can make 2018-19 their own
A new season on the cards and fans nationwide are geared up to watch their favourite stars in action in the 2018-19 edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
A new season on the cards and fans nationwide are geared up to watch their favourite stars in action in the 2018-19 edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). A platform that has nurtured domestic players over the past four years, the onus will be on the local crop to prove their worth ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Here we take a look at some of those who are capable of changing the fortunes of their respective clubs this season.
UDANTA SINGH
Club: Bengaluru FC
Position: Midfielder
Possessing enough talent and speed, Udanta Singh will be seeking to reach greater heights this season with Bengaluru. The Manipur-born winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last year, establishing himself as one of the league’s most lethal wingers, owing to his explosive pace and trickery down the flanks. The 22-year-old registered seven assists but could only notch up one goal. If he can improve his goal-scoring prowess, it could relieve some of the pressure from Sunil Chhetri and Miku upfront and make the Blues a more potent unit.
SUBHASISH BOSE
Club: Mumbai City FC
Position: Defender
Arguably India’s standout defender in 2018, Subhasish Bose will be a valuable addition to Mumbai City FC. The defender had a stellar 2017-18 campaign with Bengaluru, helping the side reach the finals before playing a major role in their Hero Super Cup triumph. He continued his impressive form for the Indian national team, putting in some vital performances at the Hero Intercontinental Cup in June, and went on to captain the team in India’s SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018 campaign. Under Jorge Costa, Bose will look to hone his defensive skills and guide the Islanders to their first ever Hero ISL trophy.
JEJE LALPEKHLUA
Club: Chennaiyin FC
Position: Forward
Considered by many as the successor to Sunil Chhetri for the Indian national team, Jeje Lalpekhlua comes into the 2018-19 campaign as one of the favourites to take home the Golden Boot trophy, after impressing for club and country over the past year. The Mizo sniper was part of Chennaiyin’s title-winning 2017-18 campaign, contributing nine goals overall. The one area which he would want to address though is his inconsistency, which was evident when he went through dry patches during the course of the last season.
ANAS EDATHODIKA
Club: Kerala Blasters FC
Position: Defender
The Keralite, who made the switch to Kerala Blasters this season, will be plying his trade in his home state for the first time in his professional career. After missing out the majority of the 2017-18 period with injury, Anas will be looking to get back into the limelight. The 31-year-old will team up with Sandesh Jhingan at the back for David James’ side this season. The pair has had resounding success for the Indian national team and will undoubtedly prove to be a formidable force for the Blasters.
AMRINDER SINGH
Club: Mumbai City FC
Position: Goalkeeper
Having featured in three seasons in the Hero ISL, Amrinder Singh is no stranger to the Indian football circuit. The 2017-18 campaign was the goalkeeper’s finest spell, when he produced 55 saves - the most by any keeper across the league. For the upcoming season, Singh has stated his intent to go one step further and achieve success with his team. If he can successfully marshal his defenders from the back and maintain his fine shot-stopping abilities, the Islanders will be in with a strong chance of making the playoffs.