The 10th Hero I-league is set to kick-off this weekend accompanied by murmurs that this could be its final season. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is pushing for a merger of Indian Super League (SL) franchises with I-league clubs and this may be the last hurrah for the storied competition.
Also read: I-League 2017: 5 Indian strikers to look for this season
Though the ISL has captured a lot of attention, the I-league has long served as the bread-and-butter for Indian football. In that spirit, let us look at 5 I-league debutants who may be experiencing the league for the first and last time:
#1 Eduardo Ferreira
The 33-year old Equatoguinean central defender has signed for Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan. He represented FC Pune City in the 2016 Indian Super League (ISL), notching up 11 appearances and scoring one goal during the campaign. The defender has a reputation for being a no-nonsense centre back and is a threat from set-pieces.
Brazilian-born Ferreira began his career as a youth player for Fluminense and is a self-professed fan of the club. Subsequently turning out for Flamengo and then Corinthians, the defender revealed he faced the likes of Neymar and Thiago Silva while playing in Brazil. Ferreira plied his trade in Colombia, South Africa, Thailand and Iran before landing on Indian shores.
#2 Cameron Watson
Bengaluru FC signed the Australian midfielder from A-League side Newcastle Jets. Primarily known as a box-to-box midfielder, he has been described by his former manager Scott Miller as a versatile, combative and clever player.
Bengaluru boss Albert Roca said of his new 29-year old recruit, “Cameron is a good player in a position that’s very important to the team. He has a good background playing in Australia which I think is an impressive League in terms of standard and his presence would help us grow.”
Watson was involved with FC Porto as a youth player and has made appearances for the Australian national team at both U-17 and U-20 levels. Prior to representing Newcastle Jets, he spent five seasons at Adelaide United. Seen as a replacement for Michael Collins, Watson will look to strike up a strong partnership with Eugeneson Lyngdoh in the centre of Bengaluru’s midfield.
#3 Jerry Lalrinzuala
DSK Shivajians FC completed the loan signing of the 18-year old left back from Chennaiyin FC in December 2016. The youngster’s burgeoning reputation as one of India’s brightest football talents was cemented when he was crowned the Emerging Player of the 2016 Indian Super League.
Dave Rogers, DSK first team manager, stated, “Two years ago, I came across Jerry playing for the India Under-16s and was so impressed that we tried to bring him to our LFC-DSK Academy. I knew then that this boy was going to be something special as his ability as a left-back, not just defensively but offensively, was outstanding.”
“His energy levels to get up and down the pitch, along with his quality on the ball, have improved immensely; also defensively he has grown into the best young defender in the country,” he added.
Lalrinzuala came through the AIFF Elite Academy and was involved at every youth age group level for the Indian national team (U-14 through U-19). He was a member of a select group of players sponsored to work with French football club FC Metz’s academy in order to further their development. With his star on the rise, be sure to look out for the defender’s performances this season.
#4 Wedson Anselme
Kolkata’s East Bengal FC secured the signing of the powerful Haitian forward from Bangladeshi side Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi. The 30-year old previously represented San Cristobal FC in the Dominican Republic and Aigle Noir AC of Haiti. Anselme is likely to lead the line for East Bengal following the departure of Nigerian Ranti Martins to the Malaysian Super League.
Tall, aggressive and skilful, Anselme has been prolific during his spell in the Bangladesh Premier League. While being a consistent goal scorer, he is also adept at creating chances for his teammates.
Wedson joins East Bengal after the expiry of his contract with Sheikh Jamal, having helped the Bangladesh club’s cause with 14 goals from 13 matches. Upon his arrival in Kolkata, Wedson has declared that he wants to prove himself and win the I-league for East Bengal.
#5 Anirudh Thapa
I-league debutants Minerva Punjab FC snapped up the 18-year old midfielder from Chennaiyin FC. Thapa made his ISL debut in Chennaiyin’s last game of the 2016 ISL season, notching up an assist.
Like Jerry Lalrinzuala, the midfielder rose through the ranks of AIFF’s elite academy and was part of the select group that trained with FC Metz. He has captained the AIFF Academy U-19 side and won the U-18 I-League in the 2015-16 season. Thapa has also put in exciting performances as an attacking midfielder at youth level for the Indian national side.
A quick midfielder with an eye for goal, the youngster may see limited game time as he is still developing his game. However, it would be no surprise if Thapa makes an impact if given the opportunity.
