XtraTime Web Desk: The Hero Indian Super League 2019-20 had been a thoroughly entertaining one for multiple reasons. Along with the foreign superstars like Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumas, Nerijus Valskis, Edu Garcia and Ferran Corominas, there had been some incredibly stunning performances by some Indians. Hence, XtraTime.in picks five players who can be the real treasures of Indian football in future after enthralling everyone with their performances this season.
Defender : Sumit Rathi (ATK FC)
Right when the other teams are banking on foreign defenders, the 18-year-old put in a backs-to-the-wall defensive display in what was the biggest match of his career in the Indian Super League final against Chennaiyin FC. An athletic defender, Rathi made the step up from ATK’s reserve side this season and was entrusted by Antonio Habas to fill in the left centre-back role. He played 14 matches in his debut campaign.
Right centre-back: Seriton Fernandes (FC Goa)
Seriton continues to impress since his move to FC Goa in 2017. In an attacking system, he provides the width on the right flank to latch on to passes on the overlap. However, in this Indian XI, Seriton will have to contend with a place as the right centre-back. He also has attempted the fourth-most tackles in the league, showing his value as a defender.
Left full-back: Jessel Carneiro (Kerala Blasters)
An abundance of talent. Among the few impressive players for the Blasters this season, the 29-year-old Jessel impressed in what was his maiden ISL appearance. The left-back was a constant attacking threat down the flanks and helped set up five assists, joint-highest in the league.
Forward: Lallianzuala Chhangte (Chennaiyin FC)
The national team forward had a terrific season career. After no goals from the first seven matches of the season, the 22-year-old left-winger scored seven goals, with six of them coming in the last eight matches under Owen Coyle. He also scored in both legs of the semifinals against league-topper FC Goa to help Chennaiyin progress to the final.
Right full-back: Prabir Das (ATK)
A story of an incredible comeback. After an injury ruled him out of the whole of last season, the right-back had a big role to play in ATK’s third ISL triumph. Deployed as a wing-back in the 3-5-2 system, Prabir excelled with his energetic displays both in defence and attack. He racked up five assists which were the joint-highest for a defender. In the first minute of the final, the 26-year-old headed the ball off the line from a shot from Chennaiyin’s Rafael Crivellaro.