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Although the marquee foreigners are the big attractions of the Indian Super League, the new tournaments ultimate aim is to produce new heroes in Indian football. There will be plenty of young Indians on show and they could become household names after the first season of the ISL. Sportskeeda picks out eight youngsters to watch out for with one player from each of the eight city franchises.The list is not in any particular order
#1 Lalrindika Ralte
Despite being only 21, Lalrindika is already one of the best match-winners that Indian football has currently. After impressing for India age-group sides and Indian Arrows, Lalrindika enhanced his reputation by delivering in big matches for East Bengal and even became the all-time joint highest Indian scorer in the AFC Cup. He was Mumbai’s second pick in the draft and is expected to feature in their first team. Mumbai would also be looking to make the most of his versatility as he is capable of playing in different midfield roles. Before the ISL, Lalrindika would be in action for India U-23 in the Asian Games.
Team: Mumbai (On-loan from East Bengal)
Age: 21
Position: Central/Right/Left Midfielder; Attacking Midfielder
Value: 27.5 lakh
Draft pick: Round 2
#2 Mohammed Rafique
After having four good seasons with Kolkata’s United SC, the Bengali lad has joined East Bengal this term and has already impressed in this season’s Calcutta Football League. Rafique was picked on the first day of the domestic draft by Atletico de Kolkata and will add local flavour to the franchise. His versatility will be a valuable asset for Atletico and he also has the experience of delivering in big games, having scored the winner for United SC in the 2010 Durand Cup final against JCT. Rafique would be looking to make an impact by both scoring and assisting in the inaugural season of the ISL.
Team: Atletico de Kolkata (On-loan from East Bengal)
Age: 21
Position: Right/Left Midfielder; Attacking Midfielder
Value: 10 lakh
Draft pick: Round 5
#3 Munmun Lugun
The young defender is a product of the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was picked on the first day of the domestic draft by Delhi Dynamos ahead of many experienced names. After impressing for Delhi club Simla Young, Lugun joined United Sikkim in 2012 and played every minute of their debut I-League campaign in 2012-13. He spent last season at Shillong’s Rangdajied United and made 17 starts for them, playing a key role in their I-League survival. With Delhi Dynamos eager to promote youth, one can expect Lugun to get some exposure in the ISL and he would also get to learn a lot from Belgian head coach Harm van Veldhoven.
Team: Delhi Dynamos FC (On-loan from Rangdajied United)
Age: 21
Position: Left Back
Value: 6 lakh
Draft pick: Round 7
#4 Pritam Kotal
The Mohun Bagan youngster has established himself into one of the best rights backs in the country and is expected to be a starter for India U-23 at the 2014 Asian Games. So there was no surprise to see him among the top five picks of FC Pune City. Kotal is not only solid at the back but is also quite effective going forward with his crossing and passing. His experience of playing in front of big crowds in Kolkata will also help Pune in the ISL and the player himself would also get to learn a lot by playing under Italian coach Franco Colomba.
Team: FC Pune City (On-loan from Mohun Bagan)
Age: 21
Position: Right Back
Value: 18.96 lakh
Draft pick: Round 5
#5 Sandesh Jhingan
The young defender’s impressive performances for India U-23 during the recently-concluded Indo-Pak series showed why he is rated so highly by Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia. Jhingan looked assured and highly composed while defending and was even a threat from set-pieces at the other end. It was at United Sikkim that Bhaichung had a close look at Jhingan and the player from Chandigarh has been tipped to play for the senior national team in the near future. Centrally contracted to IMG-Reliance, Jhingan was the second pick of Kerala Blasters assistant coach Trevor Morgan and is expected to play an important role once he returns from Asian Games duty.
Team: Kerala Blasters FC
Age: 21
Position: Centre/Right/Left Back
Value: 35 lakh + 33% loan fee
Draft pick: Round 2
#6 Jayesh Rane
Blessed with immense pace and ability to finish, Rane is one of the most talented young Indian strikers in the ISL. Rane came through the Mumbai FC youth system and was top scorer in the 2012 U-20 I-League. He then made his I-League debut for Mumbai in the 2012-13 I-League. Unfortunately like most Indian forwards, Rane hasn’t got too much gametime in the I-League. He has only been a bit-part player and most been used out of position by Mumbai. Rane will be hoping for more opportunities at the Chennai franchise in the ISL and showcase his potential.
Team: Chennai (On-loan from Mumbai FC)
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Value: 4.5 lakh
Draft pick: Round 9
#7 Redeem Tlang
NorthEast United FC have a tie-up with Shillong Lajong and thus all 14 of their domestic players were selected from the I-League club before the draft. The majority of NorthEast’s Indian players are young talents but the one name that stands out is Redeem Tlang. A product of the Lajong youth system, Tlang first made headlines in the Shillong First Division League, where he banged in the goals. The 19-year-old then caught the attention while playing for the Lajong first team in last season’s Federation Cup and also impressed in the I-League. Tlang’s pace and ability to play the final ball could prove to be very useful for NorthEast United in the ISL.
Team: NorthEast United FC (On-loan from Shillong Lajong)
Age: 19
Position: Right Midfielder; Forward
#8 Pronay Halder
Another member of the India U-23 squad at the 2014 Asian Games, Pronay has become a key player for I-League outfit Dempo despite being only 21. With the Goa franchise having close links with Dempo, Pronay was always going to be one of their 14 domestic players and could turn out to be a key player in the ISL. Pronay’s work-ethic and stamina is second to none and he is slowly becoming an expert in protecting the defence with his tackling in the middle of the park. His distribution can improve and Pronay is also working on his temperament and the ISL will provide him the platform to progress further.
Team: Goa (On-loan from Dempo)
Age: 21
Position: Central Midfielder
