Football News: Indian Super League 2022-23 - 5 Indian youngsters to watch out for

Although the league is not credited with spotting young players capable of leaving a considerable mark, it is still admired for shining the limelight on such fine sportsmen. 

Here are five young Indian players who could turn heads in the 2022-23 season!

Lalchungnunga (East Bengal FC)

The 21-year-old defender was lauded for performing in the 2021-22 I-League edition under Sreenidi Deccan FC. Lalchungnunga was called to East Bengal FC after closely monitoring his appearances for the Vizag-based club.

The Mizo defender played 17 matches which displayed his brilliant ball-carrying skills and high potential in the attacking lineup. He netted once and locked in five assists in the 2021-22 campaign.

The raging center-back will likely have a brilliant season with Ivan Gonzalez and Charalambos Kyriakou as his partners. 

Jiteshwor Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

Jiteshwor Singh's discovery was credited to his great heroics for NEROCA FC in the I-League last season. The two-time ISL titlists signed the 20-year-old, who was a recipient of the League's Emerging Player of the Season award for the 2021-22 season.

He has played for an average of 1500 minutes and appeared in 12 leagues and five championship stage matches. The Manipur-born has a pass completion rate of 87 per cent. 

His average reads 5.6 tackles per 90 minutes and three dribbles per 90 minutes. After making his professional debut with the Orange Brigade in 2020, he competed in three I-League seasons. 

Ayush Adhikari (Kerala Blasters FC)

Kerela Blasters were slow to recognise and harness the 22-year-old's talent, but now, under Ivan Vukomanovic's tutelage, things have evolved for the hungry midfielder. 

New Delhi-born Ayush made 17 appearances in 2021, where he scored 50 tackles, four clearances, ten interceptions, and six blocks. He also pushed his team ahead at the Next Generation Cup 2022.

Narender Gahlot (Odisha FC)

Narender's entry into Odisha FC this summer is backed up by an electrifying league run last year as his former club Jamshedpur FC secured the ISL League, Winners Shield.

In 15 matches, he snapped up 26 tackles, 33 clearances, 15 interceptions, and ten blocks. He could soon be included in the team as a mainstay rather than a substitute considering his eagerness to perform.

Emil Benny (NorthEast United FC)

Emily Benny loves keeping possession using his pace and control in crucial situations. He further stands out because of his defensive skills and knack for regaining possession from deep. 

The Wayanad-born midfielder helped Gokulam Kerala FC win the I-League title in the 2021-22 season. His arrival at NorthEast United FC could earn him more opportunities to nurture and hone his talent because of the club's reputation for spotting young talent.  

The 21-year-old netted once and provided two assists in 18 I-League matches.