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Indian Super League (ISL) has always been the dream stage for the domestic potentials in the country.
With each season passing by, the number of young talents dug out by teams have been increasing.
Change in rules, offering more opportunities to Indian players are sure to help the underrated lads find a spot in the XI.
A mandatory rule to include two developmental players will gift many a turn to train and travel with the legends of the game.
The league has already contributed a lot to Indian football. Indian national team's most faithful centre-back Sandesh Jhingan rose to the limelight from his first XI chances at Kerala Blasters.
Jerry Lalrinzuala, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Lalruatthara are all contributions of ISL to the Indian national team.
But still, a number of players with high potential are waiting for an ISL call. The fields of I-league and other local leagues have wonderkids who own the caliber to make it big.
Here, we take a look at five young players with the spark, who will be making their debut this season.
#5 Laldinliana Renthlei (Chennaiyin FC)
The name may not be familiar to many. But those who keep a check on the upcoming prospects from the Northeastern part of the country is sure to have heard of him.
The Mizoram-born has made a move to Chennaiyin FC after a season with Aizawl FC in I-league. With not much experience in the national circuit, Renthlei plays as a fullback and has represented Aizwal in 15 I-league matches and 4 of their AFC Cup outings.
The 20-year old started his career with Chhinga Veng, in Mizoram and later went on to wear Mizoram colours in the Santosh Trophy.
His journey with Aizawl began at the end of 2017 and later became a regular presence at the back for the club.
Being picked by the current champions itself shows the ability he possesses and if provided with proper mentoring and training, can be another contribution of Chennaiyin FC to the grounds of Indian senior team.
#4 Sheikh Faiaz (ATK)
Sheikh Faiaz will be a name heard in the midfield of ATK. Aged 23, ATK will be his third Kolkata colours, after Mohammedan FC and Mohun Bagan.
Faiaz made his first club appearance for Mohammedan in July 2017 before moving to Mohun Bagan later the same year. He made his I-League debut against Minerva Punjab in November 2017.
Faiaz managed to score two goals and provide three assists for Mohun Bagan from his 18 appearances.
The decent figures for a midfielder with so little experience might have been the force that attracted the ATK management to rope in the local boy.
Being Mohun Bagan's regular supplier of balls forward, he has the caliber to do the same for the two-time champions squad in ISL.
#3 Jithin MS (Kerala Blasters)
The headlines of Santosh Trophy 2018 had the name Jithin MS all over it. The 19-year old winger from Kerala was the joint-top scorer at the tournament and was the hero for the champion side.
Jithin, who attracted attention after this, was offered a contract by Kerala Blasters and shifted houses from FC Kerala to the yellow army.
When the transfer happened, he became the first Kerala player to be signed for a club receiving a transfer fee. Blasters have high expectations of the young lad and is expected to be given a few opportunities.
Jithin was seen flying past the defenders in the various Santosh Trophy matches and was highly praised for his pace with the ball-at-feet.
The question of how the youngster rises to the top-class league can be answered, only after the game gets onto the pitch.
#2 Michael Soosairaj (Jamshedpur FC)
Michael Soosairaj had been knocking the doors of ISL for some time before the Jamshedpur club roped him in.
People who closely monitor Indian football had always wanted Soosairaj to be given an opportunity at the big stage. Now, it is time for him to perform.
The 23-year old was a fan-favorite at the midfield of I-League club Chennai City FC before making a move to Jamshedpur FC.
He had made 31 I-League appearances with five goals and four assists in the two seasons with the team.
Soosairaj was appointed the captain of the Chennai based club earlier this year. His prominent and eye-catching skills had always been a support to the previous club.
The midfielder does have the potential for the high competition and will have to be at his best when Cesar Ferrando throws opportunities at him.
#1 Dheeraj Singh (Kerala Blasters)
Dheeraj Singh should always be at the top of this list. He is not a new name to any football fan of India and his spectacular performances at the U-17 World Cup are still fresh in their minds.
After the U-17 World Cup, the 18-year old went on to represent Indian Arrows in six matches and kept two impressive clean sheets.
However, he later ended his contract with AIFF and attended trials at Motherwell FC. Although he impressed the coaches in Europe, he couldn't complete a deal due to work permit issues, which brought him to Kerala Blasters.
Dheeraj's season with Blasters looks promising. The club has two other goalkeepers included in the squad - Naveen Kumar and Sujith S.
With only Naveen as an experienced keeper, Dheeraj is expected to make a bunch of first XI appearances.
He has already took guard for the team in the Yaris La Liga World and the pre-season matches in Thailand. Dheeraj without any room for doubt would be the youngster to look out for, this season.
