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Indian Super League (ISL) has always been a promising platform for the budding footballers in the nation. Since its inception in 2014, the league has showcased, developed and carved numerous players across the country.
In the early years, the league depended too much on foreign signings, limiting the growth potential of the local players. However, in a change of scenario, we have seen Indian personnel taking up vital roles for their respective clubs. All the ten clubs now have a well-established youth system, which has been scouting and promoting the talented ones. Even those players, who were for a long time associated with other leagues in the country, have been able to secure contracts with ISL clubs.
Encouragingly, the managers are rotating their players regularly, and we have seen a new bunch of players plying their trade in the league. Each season has delivered fresh faces to the Indian football circuit, and the ongoing edition is nowhere behind.
In this article, we look at the five best Indian debutants from this season of ISL.
#5 Rakesh Pradhan (NorthEast United)
NorthEast United have had a mixed start to their season, with 10 points from seven matches. However, the four draws and one defeat hasn't stopped Robert Jarni from offering playing time to his young guns. One player who has made the maximum of his opportunity at The Highlanders is Rakesh Pradhan.
The 22-year-old was given a chance in their opening fixture against Bengaluru FC and helped them maintain a clean sheet. Pradhan has played every minute this season, overcoming competition from experienced campaigners like Shouvik Ghosh in the squad.
The natural right-back has played most of his time on the opposite flank but has adapted to the new role brilliantly. Rakesh Pradhan has completed 19 tackles and 38 clearances from seven matches. On the offensive side, he has been impressive with 23 crosses and an average of over 32 passes per game. The Shillong Lajong academy product also assisted Asamoah Gyan's goal against FC Goa.
The fullback has developed an excellent understanding with the defensive midfielders and is impressive on the overlap. Rakesh Pradhan has become an inevitable part of Jarni's plans and has already grabbed attention from the opening phase of his debut season.
#4 Asish Rai (Hyderabad FC)
Phil Brown's Hyderabad FC have been languishing at the bottom of the points table, with only one win from eight games. In a season with very few positives, Asish Rai has been a standout performer for the newbies.
Asish was dropped to the bench after their opening fixture against ATK in October. However, the 20-year-old returned to the field as a substitute against Bengaluru FC and then sealed his position through impressive shifts against FC Goa and Odisha FC.
In total, the right-back has made 24 tackles, the second-best for HFC this season, from five games. With 19 clearances and a passing accuracy just below 56, Asish Rai has utilized the limited opportunities that have come his way.
Asish rose through Pune City's academy and was a pivotal player in Indian Arrows for two seasons. Even in his early days, the youngster has shown immense potential and is undoubtedly one for the future.
#3 Jeakson Singh (Kerala Blasters)
Kerala Blasters, as always, has offered a platform to yet another player to showcase his talents. Jeakson Singh, who rose to fame by scoring India's first-ever goal in a FIFA tournament, against Colombia in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup has been a key part of the Blasters side this season.
The holding midfielder has helped his backline form a shield before the defense, with 27 tackles. Having completed 234 passes at an accuracy of 85%, he has stepped up for the club in Mario Arques' absence. The 18-year old has successfully distributed the ball around the park and even drops back to the defense when playing with two wingbacks.
As Mario Arques has recovered from injury for Kerala Blasters, Jeakson will be relieved of the hectic load in the midfield. The Spanish player's partnership will only make the young lad step up his game.
#2 Edwin Vanspaul (Chennaiyin FC)
Edwin Vanspaul is one of the most underrated Indian players of this ISL season. The Tamil Nadu-born player made a big move from Chennai City in the I-League to Chennaiyin FC and has lived up to the expectations so far.
Edwin, naturally a midfielder, played as a right-back at Chennai City FC but has blended into the new system with ease. He has 27 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 clearances from seven matches, and has played every minute of the season for CFC. The 27-year old's key attribute is his accurate passing, justified by the 219 passes at an accuracy of 70%.
His ability to track back on time lets him contribute on the offensive side, winning balls and taking shots from distance when offered space.
Despite having too much attention, Edwin Vanspaul hasn't piled up the pressure and is a consistent performer for the two-time champions, still rejuvenating from their poor run.
#1 Jessel Carneiro (Kerala Blasters)
Though Kerala Blasters are on a seven-match winless streak, Eelco Schattorie has plenty of positives from the early phase of the season, one of which is the development of Jessel Carneiro at the left-back position.
Jessel was a familiar face in the I-League and Goan football before he made a breakthrough move to the ISL side. But still, not many had expected the gaffer to start with him as Lalruatthara had already established himself in the same position. Jessel Carneiro made full use of the chance that came his way and is yet another debutant to be on the field for every minute this season.
From eight games, the defender has 16 tackles, 14 interceptions and 34 clearances on the defensive part. The left-wing has also been Schattorie's better side in attack as the full-back regularly joins the midfielders. He has one assist alongside 30 crosses and an average of 39 passes per game.
Despite being 29-years old, he has grabbed the attention of the Indian national team coach and might even represent the country soon, given a consistent performance.
