The fearlessness and enthusiasm of youth has really shone through in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League. Quite a few youngsters have seized their opportunities and churned out stunning performances. Let’s take a look at these Young Turks and their impact on their respective teams.Stiven Mendoza (23, Chennaiyin FC) The current top-scorer of the Hero ISL with 11 goals, Chennaiyin FC’s Colombian hitman has been in electrifying form this season. Mendoza became the first player to score two hat-tricks in a single season of the Hero ISL (vs FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC), and has been a constant menace for defences with his clinical finishing. With two assists to boot, the 23-year-old has been involved in 13 of Chennai’s 26 goals this season.Richard Gadze (23, Delhi Dynamos FC) The Ghanaian youngster has netted four times for Delhi Dynamos FC this season. Three of them came in the hour of need. His 87th and 90th-minute winners against Kerala Blasters FC and FC Pune City early in the season made sure that the Lions maintained their position in the top 4. Also, a 66th-minute strike by the 23-year-old against Atlético de Kolkata helped Delhi salvage a point at home later in the season.Antonio German (23, Kerala Blasters FC) Antonio German became a firm fan-favourite from his very first outing for the Blasters. The pacey Englishman, who was side-lined due to injury at the beginning of the league, has been one of the best debutants this season as his six goals in just nine appearances suggest. Blessed with pace to burn and technically gifted, German has been equally efficient setting up team-mates with three assists. The 23-year-old’s massive frame also stood him in good stead in the opposition box.Jonatan Lucca (21, FC Goa) Jonatan Lucca seems to have settled into FC Goa with ease after being paired with fellow Brazilian Leo Moura at the centre of the park by head coach Zico. The 21-year-old Brazilian has an eye for a goal and likes to have a go from distance. He has scored thrice and provided two assists for the Gaurs so far. Lucca is also capable of opening up opposition defences from deep in midfield with long balls into wide areas. He has developed a brilliant understanding with his partner in central midfield and is second only to Moura in terms of passes completed for the Gaurs (469).Adil Nabi (21, Delhi Dynamos FC) Nabi seems to be peaking at the right time for Delhi Dynamos FC after scoring three goals in the business end of the league stage. Nabi’s physicality and pace has also helped his strike partner Robin Singh a great deal. The 21-year-old English striker finding form seems to be a good omen for the Lions ahead of the semi-finals.Mandar Rao Dessai (23, FC Goa) The Goan native has been one of the best Indian wingers of the season. A two-footed player, Dessai has the requisite pace and technical ability to wreak havoc on the flanks for FC Goa. The 23-year-old local boy is equally effective in setting up team-mates as well as scoring. Dessai has bagged three goals and provided two assists over the course of the league stage.Bruno Pelissari (22, Chennaiyin FC) The 22-year-old Brazilian had a slow start to the season but made an impact when it really mattered towards the business end of the league stage. Pelissari was instrumental in their sequence of wins en route to the semis. He was central in Chennai’s purple patch and anchored the midfield as the Super Machans scored 11 goals in three matches. The Brazilian box-to-box midfielder has made 57 clearances and has an exceptional passing accuracy of 87%. He has also made an assist and scored once this season.Thongkhosiem Haokip (22, FC Goa) The 22-year-old striker caught the eye when he scored a hat-trick in FC Goa’s 7-0 win against Mumbai City FC to become only the second Indian to score a hat-trick in the history of the league after Sunil Chhetri. Haokip has looked a threat whenever handed the chance and is expected to play more important cameos for the Gaurs.Jackichand Singh (23, FC Pune City)Another young Indian winger, Jackichand Singh put in some stellar performances for the Stallions in an injury-hit season for him. The 23-year-old winger’s blistering pace and ability to dribble past defenders was one of the Stallions’ most frequently used attacking tactics. Singh also scored the third fastest goal of the season against Atlético de Kolkata inside two minutes.Josu Currias (22, Kerala Blasters FC)Josu Currias’ footballing education was evident for all to see as he ran Kerala’s midfield along with Mehtab Hossain. The 22-year-old Spaniard from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy was his side’s most threatening creative force. Josu’s strike against NorthEast United FC was nothing short of breath-taking. He was also the winner of the DHL Winning Pass Award for his side and provided three assists for the Blasters in the league stage.
