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The ISL is underway and fans have already seen a few matches played. Some have started raising eyebrows at the veritable admixture of foreign and Indian players ruling the ground. The two month long tournament is sure to spring up a host of surprises.A serious contender for the goal of the tournament was witnessed in the first match itself – a screamer from the ex-Real Madrid man, Borja Fernandez which beat the Mumbai City FC custodian Subrata Paul.On the other side, Atletico de Kolkata's goalie, Subhasish Roy Chowdhury made some acrobatic saves on the field. His clean sheet overshadowed the Indian number one Paul's display under the bar.This leads us to the juncture, wherein we are bound to ponder, amidst the galaxy of international stars, which Indian players we will remember once the ISL is over.
#1 Subhasish Roy Chowdhury
After the ISL opener, one name is surely doing the rounds in the football fraternity. Everybody was looking for an impeccable show from the Mumbai City FC goalkeeper, Subrata Paul. But the man, who withstood ninety minutes without letting in even a fly, was Roy.
He saved, he dived, he stopped, and all with a smile. Be it a deflection from his team mate, or a perfectly placed header, this man was not to be denied.
With his performance, the position of Subrata Paul as the India number one is surely in jeopardy. Roy’s movement and ball judging ability was a notch above. Whether in the air or on the ground, he was ubiquitous.
A string of such displays will by the end of ISL make him a serious contender for the first name in the national team sheet.
#2 Boithang Haokip
Boithang Haokip is also known as the “David Beckham of the North East”.
A title like that speaks volumes about the credentials of a talented craftsman like him. He is known for his prolific free kicks akin to the maestro from England. The control in his feet certainly adds to his arsenal.
He is part of the talented North East United FC in the Indian Super League. The team comprises of raw talent amidst some serious battle winners. Boithang will add another dimension to his team.
He has a good frame and is a comprehensive unit in the attacking midfield area. With such attributes, he is sure to grab some headlines in this tournament.
#3 Manish Bhargav
Manish Bhargav has been developed and nurtured by the Mohun Bagan academy. He has made a few senior team appearances for the Mariners. His derby debut was marked with a memorable goal against arch rivals East Bengal.
Creativity is the USP of this man from Punjab. He prefers to dominate in the midfield area, but can be equally effective on the wings as well.
His uncanny knack of scoring goals when they matter the most makes him a natural choice for any team.
In the ISL, Bhargav is part of the Delhi franchise. Rubbing shoulders with the legend Alesssandro Del Piero, it will be a perfect opportunity for Manish to showcase his talent.
#4 C S Sabeeth
Another young gun in the Indian football fray to turn out in the ISL is C S Sabeeth – a member of the Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL.
The team has a plethora of Indian football stalwarts, ranging from Mehtab Hossain to Renedy Singh. Stars from various eras are a part of this team wherein Sabeeth can promote his game to an altogether different level.
His main attribute is his poacher’s speed and instincts. He can appear in the right places and score goals, keeping the defence unaware of his whereabouts. His speed makes him quite a natural choice even for wider positions.
In the inaugural season of ISL, he can can change the game when he gets the ball. With the likes of Mehtab, Penn Orji, Sushant Singh Mathew and Ishfaq Ahmed, he would not be left wanting in the supply line. It is a matter of time, before Sabeeth bursts on to the scene with his goals and fans start singing his name.
#5 Narayan Das
Das is a talented young left back who has already made two appearances for the national team.
In the ISL, he is part of FC Goa and is expected to be a starter. Under the tutelage of Brazilian legend Zico, Das is destined to go all guns blazing towards his opposition.
His leaning towards scoring goals will be another cause for dismay for the opposition. The partnership with his fellow Dempo FC counterpart, Debabrata Roy, is sure to yield great dividends for his side.
He is very much part of the plans for the senior squad of the national team. The faith that has been reposed on this man is immense. His performances will acknowledge that fact. In the ISL, he is sure to give a torrid time to anybody who tries to step past him. The opposition should be wary of this gifted full back whose journey has just begun on a high.
