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2018 has been an important year for Indian football as the sport is slowly gaining many followers within the country. The Indian Super League's success, as well as good performances from the national side, has placed the game in more limelight within the country. Although there's still a long way to go to reach the high standards of other nations, India are slowly getting there.
The Premier League is the most watched and followed competition across the world after the World Cup. Naturally, the dream of almost every footballer is to play in England's top-flight at least once in his professional career.
There are many Premier League fans across India, though the nation is yet to be represented in the division. Sunil Chhetri once came close to playing for Queens Park Rangers, though work permit issues meant the Indian talisman was unable to showcase his talent on the biggest stage. The same could be said for India's first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, when Everton came calling.
The league can include players only from nations which are ranked below 70 in the FIFA rankings and provided India can continue to develop, there are a number of budding talents within the country capable of playing there in future:
#3 Komal Thatal
Komal Thatal was part of the Indian team which played in the U17 FIFA World Cup in India. Since then, the youngster has always been in the news because of his impressive performances.
Currently playing as a midfielder with ISL side ATK, a lot of European clubs are said to be monitoring his status in India. At just 18-years-old, Komal has come into the limelight at a good time with the game gradually becoming popular in the country.
As a result, Komal has all the opportunities to develop into a great player. At his young age and the capabilities he possesses, he has one of the best opportunities to become the first Indian to play in the Premier League.
#2 Anirudh Thapa
Anirudh Thapa is slowly making a name for himself as a reliable midfielder for India's national side. At just 20, he has dominated the midfield and continues to create plenty of goalscoring chances for his teammates too.
With that in mind, it should be no surprise should Thapa manage to earn a breakthrough in Europe before long. Born in Dehradun, Uttarakhand to Nepali parents, Thapa began playing football at a young age which helped him rise through the ranks of Indian football.
He currently plays his trade for Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, who won last season's title. He has also previously featured for I-League side Minerva Punjab and unsurprisingly, made an impact in all his teams. With such attributes as a rising star, Anirudh could be a bright prospect for many English sides to ponder in future. He will also play a huge part in India's development as a footballing nation.
#1 Udanta Singh
Udanta Kumam Singh is an exciting talent who primarily plays as a right winger with the Bengaluru FC in the ISL. Udanta has also featured for Mumbai City FC previously.
Coming from Manipur, Udanta is already making waves in Indian Football with the legend Sunil Chhetri himself stating Singh is the future of the sport in the country. Udanta has represented India at all the levels and is all set to succeed Sunil as the face of Indian football in future. At just 22-years-old, opposition defenders fear his pace from the right flank, which helps create goalscoring opportunities galore.
Other than his goalscoring contributions, Udanta is also responsible for many chances created for his team. With such a repertoire, he must continue focusing on improving constantly and will no doubt have some Premier League clubs interested in him in future.
