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Gone are the days when Indian players were used mainly to make up the numbers in the starting line-up of their ISL teams. With each passing season, the managers have escalated their trust and they now play a focal role in the team's gameplay.
And, with every new season, the players become more mature. While the likes of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Brandon Fernandes have continued to develop their standards from where they left in the previous season, others have upped their game after subdued performances.
Here are the top 5 most improved Indian players in 2019-20 season of ISL so far.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Indian players who are yet to play an ISL 2019-20 match
#5 Farukh Choudhary (Jamshedpur FC)
After graduating from Pune FC's academy and playing for Lonestar Kashmir in the Second Division and Mumbai FC in I-League, Farukh Choudhary found his big break in the 2017-18 season of ISL when he played 15 matches for Jamshedpur FC.
The next season, he made his international debut against China and played 12 matches and scored a goal. But, he has reinvented himself this season with already having 3 assists and scoring a goal in eight matches.
With the ability to play on either side of the wings, Farukh has also improved his off the ball movement significantly. He has also taken the most number of shots (17) in the competition for Jamshedpur FC but only five of them have been on target.
However, Farukh has missed some glaring sitters in this season of ISL. If he finds the correct size of his scoring boots, he can prove to be an invaluable asset for the national team.
Having made 6 international appearances for India, Farukh is turning out to be one for the future.
#4 Redeem Tlang (NorthEast United FC)
Having started his career with Shillong Lajong in I-League, Redeem Tlang got his first taste of ISL football last season when he was a part of the NorthEast United squad that reached the semi-finals.
He played in the right-wing position under Eelco Schattorie, the 24-year-old managed only a goal and no assist last season. But, this season he has already bettered his tally with back-to-back goals against Odisha and FC Goa.
NorthEast United are one of those sides that like to overlap their full-backs and swing crosses through them. Redeem Tlang's tally of 28 tackles, more than any other member of his team, also proves his defensive capabilities.
With 9 shots and 9 crosses, Tlang is a vital cog in the Highlander's attacking unit alongside Martin Chaves, Asamoah Gyan, and Panagiotis Triadis.
#3 Manvir Singh (FC Goa)
After two seasons of warming up the bench for FC Goa, Manvir Singh has found a regular place in the starting line-up this season.
The 24-year-old has found his name in the starting line-up four times this season but surprisingly, both the goals which he scored came off the bench.
Against NorthEast United, he craned his neck to head the ball home in the dying seconds of the game after Mourtada Fall connected a long ball from the other half of the pitch. His header in the 69th minute of the game against Hyderabad FC through the corner proved to be the difference when the two sides met.
Manvir's ability in the air and imposing physical stature makes him a perfect number nine for the Indian national team, something which the country has lacked since the dip in form of Robin Singh.
#2 Prabir Das (ATK)
After sitting out the entire 2018-19 season of ISL due to an injury, Prabir Das reinvented himself in this season for ATK and has played every minute under their head coach Antonio Lopez Habas.
The only side to play with a back-three right from the start, Prabir Das has to completely take care of the wing play for the team's right flank. His attacking potency can be understood by the 16 crosses, the most by any ATK player, which has also resulted in him bagging 3 assists.
At crucial times, Habas has directed his team to fall back to a flat back-five. Prabir's defensive acumen has ensured the opponents don't flood his side while attacking.
He has made the joint-most number of tackles so far, tied with Pritam Kotal. With 10 interceptions and blocks each and 41 clearances, Prabir is making himself a strong contender for the national team.
#1 Jerry Mawihmingthanga (Odisha FC)
After scoring the fastest goal in ISL history for Jamshedpur FC, Jerry's position in the right-wing position was challenged by Farukh Choudhary in the previous edition of ISL. As a result, he could make only 12 appearances, mostly off the bench, and had only one assist to his name.
Odisha FC wrapped him up after letting go Lallianzuala Chhangte and the Mizo speedster didn't disappoint his team. Jerry has four assists and one goal to his name in the eight matches he has played so far for Odisha FC.
Drifting wide in the wings, he has whipped in 30 crosses and taken 12 shots. He has also linked up brilliantly with Xisco Hernandez and Aridane Santana upfront. The trio forms a lethal strike force for Odisha FC.
