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The ISL is coming back this November with excitement, glitz and flashiness to rock football in India like never before! And with a new plethora of youngsters who have been signed by various clubs in order to give them a chance to display their talent, it doesn't get more exciting than this.
The ISL, in its three years of existence, has shown the world what a platform it is for the developing youngsters. And not only Indians, this cash-rich league has also been an excellent platform for the foreign youngsters who have been able to earn a name for themselves only after playing in the ISL.
Of course, Sandesh Jhingan is the best example! From an unknown talent to India captain. But it is not just limited to Jhingan; there are many others too. Josu Currais, Romeo Fernandes, Nico Velez, Gustavo Dos Santos, Anas Edathodika all developed in this very league!
And this season? Obviously, there will be some unknown names who will emerge this season too, the season which is being dubbed as "the biggest and best of all ISL seasons till date". The rules have been modified exactly to do that, to allow more youngsters to rise through the ranks.
So, we here bring you the brightest of youngsters who can emerge out of their ranks and become superstars this coming season.
Note: Only players below the age of 23 have been included. Also, this list doesn't feature players who have earned a national cap.
#5 Nishu Kumar (Bengaluru FC)
Nishu Kumar is undoubtedly Bengaluru FC' s most exciting young prospect this season, leaving out Udanta Singh who has already won an international cap earlier this year.
The 20-year-old, who primarily plays as a left back is a vital cog for the junior national team and also was an important contributor in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers held in Qatar recently. So much was his contribution that head coach Stephen Constantine, included him in all the fixtures and camps of the senior team after coming back from Qatar though he is yet to earn a national cap.
It will be a tough task for Nishu Kumar as a defender, to stop or even tackle the likes of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, but will help him the other way as he will gain invaluable experience from these matches.
#4 Sarthak Golui (FC Pune City)
Sarthak Golui is one name which comes to your mind when you think about the future of Indian football. Golui, who has been loaned by Mohun Bagan to play in the ISL this year, displayed valour in the recently concluded 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers, though India were out in the group stage itself.
The centre-back, who is merely 20 years old, joined Mohun Bagan back in 2015 but has since featured only in two I League games. But now, as Pune City have managed to rope in the youngster with a promise to give him more games. He will certainly be a different Sarthak Golui once this league ends!
#3 Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters FC)
Courage Pekuson, the Ghanian Under 23 international is another young exciting prospect this coming season.
The youngster will have to play under peer pressure due to the lack of attacking midfielders in the squad, and if he does well enough in that role, feeding the likes of Iain Hume or CK Vineeth or Dimitar Berbatov in front of him, he can take the Blasters all the way to the title. It will make him an instant hero and also create opportunities for him to play abroad, as we have seen in the case of Josu Currais, who now plies his trade in the USL outfit FC Cincinnati.
#2 Mark Sifneos (Kerala Blasters FC)
One of the most exciting news for Kerala Blasters was the arrival of the 18-year-old Dutch forward Mark Sifneos who is expected to partner Iain Hume and CK Vineeth in the attacking line-up this season.
Siffneos, who previously played for Dutch second-tier club RKC Waalwijk, is known for his pace and accurate passing and will be keen to prove that he is worth of fame in this new edition of the ISL. He will be keen to do what players like Josu Currais and Nico Velez did in the previous seasons.
It will be a great learning experience Sifneos, the youngest player in this edition of ISL at 18, who will work alongside Bulgarian Hitman Dimitar Berbatov and the fan favorite duo of Iain Hume and CK Vineeth.
#1 Vishal Kaith (FC Pune City)
Vishal Kaith will be the name to watch out for when he appears in the Pune colours this season.
The 21-year-old youngster goalkeeper, who has also been dubbed as the future Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, was impressive during the recent AFC Under 23 Championship Qualifiers and will look to further improve his performance by playing in a top-class league against top-class players, training under world class-coaches.
Kaith will have the pressure of stopping the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane when their respective teams face Pune City, which will be a learning process for him. He has all the capabilities to replace Sandhu as India's No. 1 goalie and even feature for a European club!
