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Indians have made a major mark on world football as of late with more and more youngsters grabbing the spotlight thanks to the growing popularity of new leagues such as the Indian Super League (ISL). The league exposed the talented Indian players to the experience of some of football's greatest, making performances top notch and entertainment 100% for crowds who couldn't get enough.
The difference has been portrayed on the International stage too with the Indian National football team doing wonders at the highest level, breaking into the top 100 and currently ranked 96th in the world. There is no doubt that Indian players are making one big splash on the International scene but just how well do they compare to the other top players currently in the world?
Well, as you might imagine, they're not quite top brass. But what they have done is put India on the map for the best upcoming countries in football and one which continues to gather huge support.
With the U-17 World Cup coming up soon, let's examine Indian football's contribution to mainstream football gaming such as FIFA. FIFA Mobile is one of the most popular versions of EA Sports' original FIFA collection and Indians do feature in it. Here are the 5 highest ranked Indians in FIFA Mobile:
#5 Jeje Lalpekhlua
One of the highest earning Indian players today is one Jeje Lalpekhlua. The charismatic attacking player has made his mark on Indian football with consistent performances at the International level along with match winning outings time after time for Chennaiyin FC. His worth to Indian football is there for all to see so it's a bit surprising that FIFA Mobile only lists him as the fifth most important Indian in the game.
It's arguable that his stats could be better too with 63 pace far from doing him justice. While Jeje continues to be a fan favourite in his home, FIFA Mobile may take a while before recognising just how important he actually can be.
#4 Jackichand Singh
Indian players are known to be hard workers. And that has never been as obvious as now with new Kerala Blasters recruit Jackichand Singh. The pacy winger made his way up the ladder being from the small North Eastern city of Manipur.
His pace has been showcased on FIFA Mobile too with a healthy 83 rating showing just what the former Salgaocar player is capable of. His inclusion in the list may surprise many but one can see the promise in this young Indian talent.
#3 Eugeneson Lyngdoh
Another surprising inclusion in this particular list is 30-year-old midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh. His rating of 60 overall narrowly beats both Jeje and Jackichand making him one of the most valuable players in the game. His all-round play according to the mobile version of the game is pretty impressive with 78 pace and 64 passing broadcasting his importance in midfield.
His current signing with Atletico de Kolkata promises big things for Eugene who has made massive strides in his career recently. The upcoming season of the ISL would be key in deciphering whether he is worthy of this particular top honour. With his former team Bengaluru FC also in the ISL this season, we could see Eugene shine yet again in a tough outing.
#2 Sunil Chhetri
India's talisman Sunil Chhetri is up next and no surprise he's yet again among the best players in a football game. But he isn't number one. Chhetri's contribution to Indian football has been invaluable recently, almost single-handedly at times dragging his team out of tough spots and making matches end in jubilation.
Chhetri has proved his worth like no other player in the country but it appears that FIFA Mobile isn't impressed enough to hand him the top spot. What it has offered, however, is some good looking stats. 74 pace and 68 shooting are a good reflection of his on-field quality with his dribbling ability the best of all Indian players at 63. While other categories could improve, he looks like a pretty complete player from all angles.
#1 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Way ahead of the pack is Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The 25-year-old stopper is heavily considered as the leader for the new generation of Indian players and he appears to be taking his responsibility quite seriously. The current captain of the Indian football team, Sandhu became the first Indian ever to play in the UEFA Europa League with Norwegian side Stabaek.
His stopping abilities have been showcased in FIFA Mobile remarkably with an overall rating of 85 in the game with some incredible stats to accompany that number. His attributes are all in the 80s and remain some of the strongest for goalkeepers in the world. One can only hope that Sandhu continues to keep the Indian flag flying high in the gaming and reality world of football.
