Suman Chakravorty: The Hero I-League has come to its business end and a few players have as usual appeared to be the new stars of Indian football. Hence, www.xtratime.in selects the players who have made some serious impacts in the league.
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Bilal Khan (Goalkeeper, Real Kashmir FC):
Bilal Khan, the Real Kashmir custodian has held his ground firmly between the posts in this season. A consistent performer and the newly promoted team in the I-League has only conceded eight goals in their sixteen games. Much of that credit has to be given to Bilal, who has been outstanding so far. The 1.95m tall keeper is known for his brilliant positioning and using his height to the fullest to make saves. His performance against Quess East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium was an exhibition of top-class goalkeeping.
Alexander Romario Jesuraj (Winger, Chennai City FC):
The 22-year-old right winger kickstarted Chennai City FC’s I-League campaign with a brilliant fashion as he put the final nail in the coffin in the season opener against Indian Arrows. In the game against Aizawl FC at their own den, he produced a wonderful cross from the right wing towards Sandro Rodriguez. The Spaniard had the goal at its mercy and tapped it in to score the all-decisive winning goal.
Romario is just one of the handful of Indian internationals groomed by Chennai City FC this season. For his dedicated performance in the right wing and ensuring the left backs have a nightmare against him.
Joby Justin (Forward, Quess East Bengal FC):
Undoubtedly the best Indian footballer of this season irrespective of the leagues. The East Bengal authorities constantly kept a check on him when he took over the club. Indian football has got an uncut diamond with the help of Alejandro Menendez Garcia. Being the highest Indian goalscorer with 9 goals in the competition, he has also established a brilliant striking partnership with Enrique Esqueda. His consecutive goals in the Kolkata Derbies have helped him become the heart-throb of the Quess East Bengal fans.
His movements with the ball, without the ball, shooting, heading and all-round contribution during the game have made him a class forward.
Rohit Danu (Forward, Indian Arrows):
The 16 years old kid has been sensational so far. He has not only become the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Hero I-League when he scored the winner against Aizawl FC, but also marked his arrival in Indian football with three amazing goals already in this season. Technically brilliant and one of the finest scouted talents by India U16 National Team Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes. He has only got better under the caring eyes of Indian Arrows Head Coach Floyd Pinto.
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