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Over the years, we have seen a gradual rise in the standard showcased by Indian players in the Indian Super League. While a handful of players have impressed and improved drastically, few areas are still to be explored by the local talents.
A concerning number this term is the goal tally, which has Sunil Chhetri as the only Indian with more than two goals. Even when the teams as a whole are performing well, the coaches rarely rely on Indian players for vital duties.
Thus, we have a set of names who have been warming the benches from the start of the season. While some are missing out due to their teammates' excellence, others are not part of their gaffer's plans. For those approaching the peak times of their career, being on the bench wouldn't do much good, making loan moves inevitable. Finding some time on the field might help these players return to their parent club to take up superior roles.
Here, we look at 5 Indian players in the ISL, who might need to go out on loan deals.
#5 Mohammed Rafique (Mumbai City)
Mohammed Rafique's header for ATK in the stoppage time of the first-ever ISL final is still fresh in the minds of football fans all over the country. The ISL final hero then shifted houses to Kerala Blasters a season later and is now part of Mumbai City in the league.
Though he had limited playing time during the two seasons with ATK, Rafique was a regular starter while donning the Blasters jersey. After joining Mumbai for the 2018-19 season, the midfielder was a part of Jorge Costa's plans either in the first XI or as a second-half substitute. However, the current season has seen the Kolkata-born player fade away from Mumbai's system.
Mohammed Rafique has played only 90 minutes this season, starting against Odisha FC and coming off the bench for 7 minutes against ATK. In a Mumbai midfield dominated by the likes of Mohammed Larbi, Diego Carlos, and Serge Kevyn, finding minutes on the field would be difficult for the 27-year old. As back-ups, Costa has Bipin Singh and Modou Sougou playing wide when needed.
In a scenario that looks unlikely to be changed, a move out will be the best option for Rafique. The former East Bengal player could be a handy asset to ISL sides like Chennaiyin FC or Hyderabad FC. If not a permanent transfer, a loan will be needed for Rafique to gather some game time.
#4 Romeo Fernandes (Odisha FC)
There isn't anything Romeo Fernandes needs right now more than playing time. The winger, who was once the hottest property in Indian football after his stint with FC Goa, is rarely heard of now.
After a successful season with Goa in 2014, Romeo went on loan to Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense. Returning from Brazil, he continued with FC Goa for three more seasons before moving to Delhi Dynamos. However, at Delhi, he was mostly used as a substitute for Lallianzuala Chhangte or Nandakumar Sekar. He registered 471 minutes on the field from 11 games in the 2018-19 season.
As the club relocated to Odisha, Romeo has fallen down the ranks with the addition of Jerry Mawhmingthanga. Whenever the wingers fail to cover the field, Xisco Hernandez has stepped up for Josep Gombau, thereby not forcing the manager to test the bench.
Romeo Fernandes has clocked only 65 minutes from 3 games this season, all coming off the bench. The 27-year old with a proven past in the league is not past his golden days and can still return to the limelight under the apt situations.
A change of club is a necessity for the Goan-born to keep his legs fresh for the game.
#3 Lalruatthara (Kerala Blasters)
From being the 'Emerging Player of the Season' to not making an appearance after twelve games into the season, Lalruatthara's time at Blasters hasn't gone well recently. The young left-back for the Yellow Army attracted a lot of praise when he displayed an outstanding performance at the back in the 2017-18 season.
Lalruatthara didn't disappoint in the next season, featuring in 12 games. However, an injury sidelined the player ahead of the ongoing season, forcing Eelco Schattorie to start with Jessel Carneiro. The debutant has sealed his position in the lineup that Lalruatthara has still not made his debut this season.
While most of the players are out of action because of not being a part of their coach's plans, it is healthy competition that is keeping the Mizoram player sided. With Jessel not indicating any signs of a drop in form, the 24-year old might not have an active season with Kerala Blasters.
If the player feels that he needs to get some time on the field, a short loan deal will be a good option. Still, Blasters will not be thinking of losing a player with such potential in the long run.
#2 Komal Thatal (ATK)
Komal Thatal rose to fame through the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 held in India. The young attacker joined ATK in January 2018 and played two games for the club that season. In the 2018-19 season, Thatal was a regular part of then-head coach Steve Coppell's tactics, playing 12 games.
However, ATK has left Thatal warm the benches so far this season. His only appearance came against Hyderabad FC, replacing Roy Krishna in the 84th minute. In a squad that bolsters the best attack of the league, finding some playing time would be extremely difficult for the 18-year old. With Roy Krishna and David Williams leading the attack in support with Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin from the bench, even substitute appearances would be hard to come by for Thatal. Antonio Lopez Habas is sure to look at Balwant Singh's experience before Thatal's young blood.
Watching from the line wouldn't benefit the lad, and securing a loan move to a lower-ranked club would be vital in his career development. Returning to ATK garnering some valuable experience would turn handy in the long-term.
#1 Dheeraj Singh (ATK)
Dheeraj Singh can be undoubtedly termed as the player most in need of a loan move. Dheeraj's situation differs from Thatal as the former was an integral part of his club in the previous season.
The goalkeeper, who rose through India's U-17 system, joined Kerala Blasters after some time with Indian Arrows. At Blasters, Dheeraj played 13 games and made 32 saves from 51 shots faced on target. The custodian's daring performance under David James was highly appreciated, despite the team's poor finish.
However, a move to ATK ahead of this season has put a sudden halt to his game time. For a player at Dheeraj's level, with international attention, being on the bench would only drop the market value. The Manipur-born player has been on the bench for every game as Arindam Bhattacharya has been unmoved under the bars. With the team fighting for the league-toppers spot, Habas might not be looking to change the gloveman.
Being on the bench for a whole season after continuous first XI chances would be a testing phase in Dheeraj's career. Going on loan to a club that assures first-team opportunities would be a crucial decision for the 19-year old.
