ISL 2021-22: YOUNG AND RARING TO GO
For long the foreigners, usually in the twilight of their careers, have ruled the roost in the Indian Super League. In a closed league that has 11 teams, coaches have more often than not chosen to field a foreigner in key positions on the pitch to get the job done. That trend, though, seems to be on the wane now due to two factors: 1. Only four foreigners will be allowed in a team this season; 2. The Indians have scaled up to such a level that they may give their team-mates from abroad a run for their money.
From a boy-wonder-turned-leader to a full-back that played each minute of last season, here are the five youngsters we think can dominate the league this season.
Anirudh Thapa
To label Anirudh
Thapa as one of the youngsters to look out for this season might seem like a fallacy. If anything, Thapa is seen as an ISL veteran as he dons the Chennaiyin jersey for the sixth successive season.
But the gifted midfielder is only 23 and has been handed the captain’s armband for this campaign.
The charismatic midfielder is one of those footballers who seems to have an extra second than others. He finds gaps with finesse and reads the game like it was a gripping Dan Brown novel. Equipped with a never-tiring pair of feet, he struck Chennaiyin FC’S fastest goal ever in the ISL last year in just 52 seconds, but had to be on the sidelines for a while due to injury.
The youngster will truly shed his “boy wonder” tag this year as he marshals the Marina Machans in their bid for a third title.
Lalengmawia Ralte aka Apuia
Apuia — You surely remember the name. There’s got to be a few reasons why the name Apuia has stuck in your head — (i) he’s an absolute livewire in the midfield and his energy levels are over the roof; (ii) he scored an absolute screamer from around 35 yards out last season; (iii) he is the definition of a baby-faced assassin, (iv) he commanded a record transfer fee of Rs. 2 crore to move to defending champion Mumbai City FC. He was also chosen as the Emerging Player of the Season last time.
The 21-year-old, who became the youngest captain in the ISL last year while playing for Northeast United, has bloomed into an exceptional talent. His stirring campaign last year, where he played each of NEUFC’S 22 games, saw him earn a call-up to the national team as well, and it’s a nobrainer that he won plaudits aplenty. With Mumbai City FC eager to defend both its titles, a bulk of that responsibility could fall on Apuia’s young shoulders and lightningquick feet.
Akash Mishra
He’s only 19, but he’s well on his way to becoming one of the best left-backs India has produced. He was Hyderabad FC’S star last season as he finished with the most tackles, passes, interceptions and touches. In fact, his 55 interceptions were the highest for an Indian last term. With a calm head and an inexhaustible pair of lungs, Mishra rules the left flank like nobody’s business. What also sets him apart is that he also makes those marauding runs down the flanks to aid in attack.
He can outfox any attacker in defence, dribble the ball with aplomb and make the overlap during an attack — he truly has all the makings to be India’s best modern-day full-back.
He was so instrumental in the Nizams’ phenomenal run last year, where they missed out on a playoff berth by a whisker, that he played in every single minute of the season. Coach Manolo Marquez will expect nothing less from the teenager this time.
Devendra Murgaonkar
Indian goalscorers have been far and few between in the ISL but Devendra Murgaonkar might make that a thing of the past. Making his debut for FC Goa last year, the 23-year-old came to the fore at the Durand Cup this year where he finished as the joint top-scorer. The Goan striker netted five goals in six matches to propel the Gaurs to their first Durand Cup title.
With only four foreigners allowed in the team, coach Juan Ferrando might just back Murgaonkar to spearhead the club’s goalscoring duties. And of course, he will have the likes of Spanish magicians Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz to ease the process.
Bidyashagar Singh
Looking for a goal? Call Bidyashagar. Bengaluru FC found it hard to find the back of the net last season, managing 26 goals in 20 games. This was the club’s second-lowest goal tally in four seasons, but Bidyashagar might be able to sort that out.
The 23-year-old Manipuri joins the Blues after a riveting campaign with TRAU FC where he scored 12 goals to lead the side to the third spot in the I-league. He subsequently became only the second Indian to win the I-league Golden Boot. He also became only the fourth Indian to finish as the top goal-getter of a National League after Bhaichung Bhutia, Raman Vijayan and Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri.
Bengaluru’s scoring duties have, for long, been pinned on Chhetri. But that trend could change now with Bidyashagar’s raw pace, clinical finishing and versatility to play on either flank.