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Since its inaugural season, the Indian Super League has provided a brilliant platform for the young talents of Indian football. Sandesh Jhingan, TP Rehenesh, Durga Boro and the likes captured the imagination of fans across the country with their performances last year.Jhingan was possibly the biggest revelation and in less than a year, has earned his place in the national side.For the youngsters, this journey called the ISL is more than just football. Apart from playing alongside international and national team stars, the media attention, the financial security and the glamour will only add to their overall development.India have often been termed as “Sleeping Giants” of world football. And that will change when these youngsters go on to play for the national side and guide the team to greater heights. Here’s looking at five young players who impressed us in season 2 of the Indian Super League:
#1 Amrinder Singh
The young man from Punjab was an ever present for the reigning champions this season. After the exploits of Edel Bete last time, it was surely very difficult for any other player to fill the void left by him at Atletico. Yet, from the very start of the season, Amrinder was clearly up to the task and helped
Although he kept only one clean sheet during the season, one cannot deny the impact he had on his side, helping his defenders a lot. Often when the Atletico backline faltered, Singh covered very well for them, ensuring the team don't suffer. When Kolkata were struggling in the middle of the season, his performances ensured key points for the side.
With the side from Kolkata now having been eliminated from the tournament, Amrinder will be hoping that he can build on this performance of his and would be looking forward to bigger and better things in the future.
#2 Jayesh Rane
The Chennaiyin FC number 10 has been a key member of his side’s attacking options. Going forward, Jayesh Rane has provided a lot of options for his team. His pace coupled with his strength have been a great asset for Marco Materazzi.
Jayesh was a part of the Chennaiyin set up last season but has really caught the eye this time around. On numerous occasions, he has linked up well with likes of Jeje, Mendoza and Raphael Augusto. Even when the team was down and almost out, Jayesh put in decent performances and was a bright light for them.
However, Chennaiyin have since recovered and on the back of some stunning performances have waltzed their way to the final of the Indian Super League, after a 4-2 aggregate win over Atletico de Kolkata in the semi-final.
For Jayesh, the exposure he has received so far is very crucial as he had a great platform available to prove himself and would be looking forward to more such opportunities in the future to impress everyone.
#3 Bikash Jairu
Before the ISL began, Bikash Jairu was busy putting in match-winning performances for East Bengal en route to their Calcutta Football League triumph. And when the stakes were raised in the ISL, he adjusted and replicated his performances.
Playing down the left wing, Jairu was a constant threat to the opposition defences. His quick feet, ability to take on players and skill made him an asset for David Platt. In fact, the East Bengal man impressed Platt so much that he was preferred over Indian international Jackichand Singh in a couple of games.
Jairu was a key component of the Pune City side who were early on looking like top contenders for the title. However, that early flourish died down and Pune eventually failed to make it to the semi-finals.
Bikash Jairu was a positive for Pune City and he himself would be hoping that he can play a crucial role for East Bengal in the upcoming I-League season.
#4 Seminlen Doungel
It is always difficult to impress people like Roberto Carlos. But for this young man born in Manipur, it wasn’t that much of a task.
Seminlen Doungel was one of the surprise packages of the season for the Delhi Dynamos. Although Carlos had some big names in the attacking department, Len was preferred for a number of games. He operated in an attacking role down the left and was often a threat to the opposition defenses. For a young man of his age, his courage and ability to take on players is incredible.
Len has brought some much-needed pace into the Dynamos’ side and that was a crucial factor in their journey in the Indian Super League that culminated in the semi-finals. Despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the Dynamos could not play well in the 2nd leg and performed badly as they were outplayed by FC Goa, leading to a 3-1 elimination on aggregate for the team from Delhi.
#5 Reagan Singh
At right-back, Reagan Singh was a revelation for NorthEast United. From the start of the season, he was an everpresent for his team, making eleven appearances out of a total of fourteen games.
Even though he is quite young, Reagan has the maturity of a seasoned right-back. He was hardly caught out of position in games and linked up nicely with Sanju Pradhan down the right and played a key role in a number of goals for the team.
At the back, he was quite dependable and often fought hard for his side; a quality that he depicted last season in the I-League playing for Royal Wahingdoh. Over the years, there have been some brilliant right-backs who have represented India. With a bit more experience, Reagan Singh could be another player joining that list.
