We saw the arrival of some very good overseas players in the Indian Super League this season. The performance of Roy Krishna, David Williams, and Rafael Crivellaro, among others, was a testimony to the ever increasing standard of the ISL. However, this was an equally good season for the Indian players. Some of them really outdid their own performances from the previous seasons. Hence, without further ado, let's take a look at three of those Indian players who shone the brightest in ISL 2019/20.
Prabir Das: The 26-year-old fullback had a terrific season with ATK FC. He was not only a part of the title-winning team but went on to make significant contributions on both sides of the field. Along with being a vital cog of ATK's defence which kept nine cleansheets in the entire season, Das contributed with five assists as well. He was an ever present force in the right wing for ATK. His workrate was exceptional and it didn't look like he was making a comeback from a career threatening injury considering the way he kept going up and down the field continuously during the entire ISL season.
Lallianzuala Chhangte: He was the highest goalscorer among Indians in the recently concluded season of the ISL. Chhangte made 21 appearances during Chennaiyin FC's run to the semifinals and scored seven goals for the club. He was a constant threat to the opposition's defence from the left wing. His dribbling skill is excellent and his finishing has improved in leaps and bounds as well this season. That is evident from the fact that he almost equalled his goal tally (8) from the previous three seasons of ISL combined in a single outing this time. It looks like the 22-year-old is all set to progress to the next level. The Indian team lacks a proper finisher other than Sunil Chhetri at the moment. Chhangte surely looks like Chhetri's successor.
Brandon Fernandes: He is another midfielder who looks like the future star of Indian football. Fernandes played a vital role in FC Goa's midfield this season. The 25-year-old had the second most number of assists (7) for the Gaurs this season and his two goals were just the icing on the cake. He was their designated set-piece taker as well and that sums up the faith the management had shown in the young player. Fernandes' has an excellent pass accuracy as well and his outstanding vision for goals is what makes him such a good asset in the midfield.
Feature image courtesy: AFP/ Dibyangshu Sarkar
