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The upcoming edition of Indian Super League will kick-start its new edition on November 17th as arch-rivals Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata will go head to head to get a perfect start to the retooled edition.
Contrary to the earlier three tournaments, the ISL this term has got recognition from AFC and is expanded from a mere three months to comparatively acceptable five months.
With the winners now awarded a spot in the AFC Cup, the glitz, glamour and incentives for winners of the ISL have increased substantially.
Teams have all had given priority to signing players with high potential ceilings and those who could add immensely to their attacking firepower. With regard to their potential and recent performances, we take a look at five players who could be among the most exciting players to watch next season.
Note that only players aged below 23 have been considered.
#5 Mark Sifneos
The 20-year-old Dutch attacker, Mark Sifneos, will be one of the best young attackers who will certainly contribute to the Blasters cause next season.
Sifneos, who made his senior debut with Dutch second-tier club RKC Waalwijk, will ply his trade in the attacking third. Kerala Blasters secured the services of Sifneos with the help of Rene Meulensteen's Dutch connections.
The player with Greek descent is known for his quick pace and his ability to build strong attacks. Although the Indian Super League will be a new experience for Sifneos, Kerala Blasters can hope for some moments of brilliance in attack from this Brabant Academy product.
#4 Jerry Mawihmingthanga
The 20-year-old attacker hailing from Mizoram is a DSK Shivajians Academy graduate. Jerry was selected alongside Lallianzuala Chhangte to train with Liverpool FC earlier this year. The presence of Jerry will help Jamshedpur a lot in attack. The experience he had when he trained with Liverpool FC has always been a crucial factor in his confident playing style.
Jerry was one of the key figures at DSK Shivajians in the I-League last season. He featured in 15 games for the Pune-based outfit and scored two goals. Jerry will now ply his trade in Jamshedpur FC's attack alongside the likes of Kervens Belfort and Sameehg Doutie, forming a trio, which, at their best, could slice open any defence.
#3 Manvir Singh
A Minerva Academy product, Manvir Singh will be among the most lethal young attackers of the season.
The India international will ply his trade for FC Goa in the forthcoming season. The quality of Manvir's game does make him one of the most anticipated Indian players who will showcase their talents in the 2017-18 ISL. He is strong in the air and is equally comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Before his senior India debut, Manvir featured for Indian U-23 football team and is now among the few U-23 players Indian national team coach Stephen Constantine opts to choose in his team.
#2 Jeroen Lumu
One of the best young foreign recruits of the 2017-18 ISL, Lumu has featured for the Netherlands U-21 team in the past. The signing of Lumu will definitely add more dynamism to Delhi Dynamos' attack.
The Dutchman has made over 70 senior appearances, a majority of which has come in the top tiers of the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Austria.
This versatile forward can be played either on the flanks or as a forward. Lumu's reputation as one of the best young Dutch talents and his previous links to big clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United definitely make him one to watch in the ISL next season.
#1 Udanta Singh
Undoubtedly the best young attacker who could set ISL 2017-18 on fire, Udanta Singh has already established himself as one of the finest attackers India currently has.
Born in Manipur, Udanta started his career at the illustrious Tata Football Academy before setting off for Bengaluru FC. For the Blues, Udanta is a key player, having already featured for them in about 50 games.
Bengaluru FC opted to retain Udanta for the forthcoming season and beyond, understandable given the high ceiling that the player possesses. The 21-year-old attacker is now a prominent member of the Indian national team and has already played six times in the blue of India.
The combination of Udanta with Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri and the seasoned Miku Fedor will be what the fans will be waiting for as we trudge slowly towards the ISL's kick-off.
