The Indian Super League, since its inception in 2014, has contributed immensely to the emergence of talented young footballers. From Sandesh Jhingan and Sahal Abdul Samad to Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), the league has been the breeding ground for future stars of Indian football.
As the ISL 2022-23 gets underway, here's a look at five promising youngsters who are expected to shine this season.
Lalchungnunga (East Bengal)
The Mizoram-born defender played for I-League debutants Sreenidi Deccan FC last season, before moving to East Bengal for the ISL 2022-23 season. Lalchungnunga made 14 starts in 17 games for Sreenidi Deccan, scoring one goal and providing five assists. The 21-year-old can also be a threat in offence, building atacks from the back. He made a bright beginning for the Red-and-Gold brigade in the Durand Cup.
Emil Benny (NorthEast United)
The 22-year-old midfielder from Wayanad in Kerala played a pivotal role in Gokulam Kerala FC's twin I-League titles. Emil was adjudged the emerging player of the year in the 2020-21 season. The next season, Benny played 18 matches for the club, scoring a goal and provided two assists. He will be plying his trade for NorthEast United in the ISL this season. Emil is speedy along the flanks, with good ability to cut in. He controls the pace of the game well and contributes to defence as well. Emil is from the MSP Football Academy. He was part of the Kerala Blasters U-18 side, before moving to Gokulam Kerala’s reserve team in 2019. Since 2020, the 21-year-old was a part of the Malabarians’ main team. He has also played in the AFC Cup.
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Kiyan Nassiri (ATK Mohun Bagan)
Kiyan Nassiri is a Kolkata-born footballer who plays as a winger for ATK Mohun Bagan FC. Son of former East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri, the 21-year-old scored a sensational hat-trick last season against East Bengal, thus becoming the youngest ever to do so. Nassiri has already made a good start to this season, scoring two goals in four matches in the recently concluded Durand Cup. With pace and footwork to hoodwink the defenders, Nassiri will be hoping to start more matches for ATK Mohun Bagan this season.
Muhammed Nemil (FC Goa)
Nemil is a product of the Reliance Foundation Young Champs, having scored 45 goals and 31 assists across various tournaments for the team. He was signed by FC Goa in 2018, thanks to his skill on the ball and goal-scoring prowess. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder scored four goals in the Durand Cup in 2021, and two more this year. An injury ahead of the ISL 2021-22 season saw him get only four starts. Nemil is gearing up for his second ISL season and is expected to play a big role for FC Goa this time around.
Sivasakthi Narayanan (Bengaluru FC)
Narayanan is, arguably, the most promising of the lot. With five goals in six games in the Durand Cup, including one in the final against Mumbai City FC, he played a stellar role in Bengaluru FC's title triumph this year. In fact, he forced his way into the playing XI, despite the presence of star strikers Sunil Chhetri and Roy Krishna. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Narayanan rose through the ranks from the BFC academy, 15 goals for BFC B in the Bengaluru Super Division League last season. He also scored on his first team debut in the AFC Cup last season and netted three goals in the Durand Cup last season in Bengaluru’s second-string team. He also netted a brace against Leicester City FC in the Next Gen Cup.
