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Sunil Chhetri’s skill in front of goal would be on display during season 2 of the ISL The first edition of the Indian Super League saw many Indian players impressing with their great play. The goal of the tournament by Sushant Matthew is still fresh in everyone's memories and with the quality on offer on this year there will be many more in the pipeline.Last year, the likes of Calvin Lobo, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Rehenesh TP were simply outstanding and registered many standout performances. Many managers were pleasantly surprised with the quality of the players and were sure that there are many more talented stars who haven't had the chance to showcase their talent yet.The second edition of the ISL will bring the same to the table. With every single Indian player available this time around, each franchise have roped in quality talent into their side. It would not be far-fetched to say that the quality of teams is better this year and that many Indian players have already started to make their mark on the league.As the season catches momentum, we take a look at five Indian players who will do very well this season with their extraordinary skills:
#5 Brandon Fernandes, Mumbai City FC
Brandon Fernandes is one of the most highly-rated talents in Indian football currently, and his talent saw him get trials with Reading and Sunderland in England.
The former India U-19 player had once said that he won’t be playing in India anymore but following the beginning of the Indian Super League, he saw the opportunity to play with quality Indian and foreign players and joined I-League side Sporting Clube de Goa to try and earn an opportunity to play in the ISL.
Playing as an attacking midfielder, the youngster performed very well and finished with a goal and four assists in the nine matches that he played. The fact that he is quick, good on the ball and good at set pieces makes him a dangerous player and one to watch out for the future.
Mumbai City FC saw this same potential and he was the first player to be roped in the draft window. The 21-year-old had a great pre-season with the team as he looks to take the Mumbaikars to their best ever ISL finish.
#4 Jackichand Singh, FC Pune City
Termed as the Indian Messi by his former coach Santosh Kashyap, Jackichand brings a lot to the table for FC Pune City. The former Royal Wahingdoh player was also hot property in the auction with Pune having had to fight off other teams for him.
He was brilliant last season for Wahingdoh and he once again promises to carry on his good form in the ISL season. His fantastic pace on the flanks makes him a real threat going forward and a great asset for managers. Equally comfortable when played as a forward, he is among the few Indian players who can excel in two positions.
Named after former Hollywood actor Jacki Chan, the youngster should put up a good show and performing at the big stage in the ISL will show that he can cement his place as a regular starter for the national team.
Coach David Platt would definitely be banking heavily on him for pace and penetration on the flanks.
#3 Romeo Fernandes, FC Goa
The Goan needs no introduction after his star turn in the first edition of the Indian Super League. The youngster was the highest Indian goalscorer with three goals and two assists as his stellar play saw him book a ticket to Brazil to play for Atletico Paranaense.
Although he didn’t get major playing time over there, the experience of training with quality Brazilian players would surely have added new qualities to his already burgeoning skill-set. FC Goa manager Zico holds Romeo in high regard and definitely trusts him to be the regular starter on the right wing for the Gaurs.
The new season has started very well for him, with him registering an assist in their opening game win. It would be another important season for Romeo as it will decide his fate in the national team. If he replicates his fine form on the wings for Goa this season and continues adding goals to his game, he will soon become a mainstay in the Indian national team.
#2 Eugeneson Lyngdoh, FC Pune City
Franchises were going crazy for him in the auction as he was the most sought after player in the bidding process. FC Pune City were the most persistent and were rewarded when they won the rights to his signature.
The former Shillong Lajong player had a fantastic season last year with Bengaluru FC and was adjudged the best midfielder of the I-League. His performance with the national team too has been good as he looks to better India’s showing in the World Cup qualifiers.
Manager David Platt also had kind words for him and felt he has the potential to play in the English Championship. His ability to distribute the ball with ease and build quality attacks are definitely qualities that appeal to almost all teams in the ISL. He also excels at dead-ball situations and is known for his quality while crossing.
If he continues playing like he did last season, Pune City will be do very well in the ISL this season and will definitely be challenging for the crown.
#1 Sunil Chhetri, Mumbai City FC
The Indian captain needs no introduction as his contributions to the national team over the years says a lot about his efforts. He has successfully taken the baton from Baichung Bhutia and is leading from the front. Only three shy of 50 international goals, he is definitely one of the finest Indian players in this edition of the Indian Super League.
Having played for MLS side Kansas City Wizards and Portuguese side Sporting Clube de Portugal earlier in his career, he is one of the few Indians who will give the other foreign strikers a run for their money. Unarguably, he has been one of the finest and consistent goal scorers in the I-League for many seasons now.
His ability to make those nippy runs and pounce on the smallest of opportunities provided to him make him a very dangerous threat. He is also very good with his set pieces and has scored many goals from freekicks.
It would be interesting to see what position he is played at by the Mumbai City FC management, having played as a left-winger at Bengaluru FC and as a striker with the national team. Nicolas Anelka & Co are spoilt for choices in the attacking positions, and Chhetri would be a very important player for them.
It would be interesting to see how he performs on the grand platform provided by the ISL this year.
