I-League 2023-24: Players to watch out for
The 17th season of the I-League will commence on October 28 with Rajasthan United and Real Kashmir taking the field. This time the league is bigger and better with 13 participating teams. The second tier of Indian football has helped many footballers to make a name for themselves before taking longer strides in their careers. Here we look at the most exciting players.
Faisal Ali, Churchill Brothers
Faisal Ali has joined Churchill Brothers from Bengaluru FC for more gametime. The young winger from Kolkata is looking to make a mark this season for the Red Machines. Faisal scored seven goals in 46 appearances for Mohammedan Sporting. The youngster netted twice in six matches in the 2022 I-League championship stage for the Black Panthers. He netted once for Bengaluru in five matches.
Edu Bedia, Gokulam Kerala FC
The former Racing midfielder, Edu Bedia will play for Gokulam Kerala this season. After six seasons with FC Goa, Bedia has finally decided to move on. He has featured in 122 matches for the Gaurs, scoring 16 goals. The midfielder has also made 34 La Liga appearances and brings invaluable experience. Bedia was the longest-serving foreigner at one club in the ISL.
Eli Sabia, Sreenidi Deccan FC
Brazilian defender Eli Sabia will lead the backline for Sreenidi Deccan FC in the upcoming I-League season. Sabia, who comes with massive experience in the ISL, is expected to thrive in the I-League. The experienced defender has featured in 100 ISL matches across his stints with Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC. He guided Jamshedpur to the ISL Shield in the 2021-22 season.
David Lalhlansanga, Mohammedan Sporting
David Lalhlansanga has shown a glimpse of his ability in the 2023 Durand Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals. He showed great calmness and precision with his finishing inside the penalty area. The 21-year-old forward scored twice in nine I-League appearances last season for Aizawl FC. He guided Mohammedan Sporting to the 2023 CFL title, scoring 21 goals (highest).
David Castaneda, Sreenidi Deccan FC
All eyes will be on Sreenidi Deccan's forward, David Castaneda for the upcoming season. The Colombian marksman finished as the second-highest goal-scorer in the 2022-23 I-League with 15 goals. He also returned with seven assists. Castaneda has returned with 27 goals in 41 matches for Sreenidi. He netted nine goals in the 2021-22 I-League. He will look to guide his team to the ISL.
