I-League 2017: Rating the 10 teams so far this season
Amidst the chaos of ISL, the clubs participating has managed to put up a decent show in this year I-League. The league leaders Minerva Punjab FC hailing from Punjab top the table with three points clear of second positioned East Bengal FC has been a revelation this year. The newbies like Neroca FC, Gokulam FC and the Indian U17 World Cup side Indian Arrows has produced some enthralling matches.
East Bengal FC have managed to score the maximum number of goals (12) whereas the old warhorse from Goa, Churchill Brothers had their worst start ever in the history of this campaign and had conceded the maximum number of goals (13).
Let's go through the teams based on their current position in the points table in I-League 2017-2018.
1. Minerva Punjab FC
Leading the table with 13 points from 5 matches the club from Punjab has already equalled their previous season's tally and have only lost one match in the competition so far. The team has evolved & surprised many with their performance on the field.
Chencho Gyeltshen the Bhutanese sensation has already caught the eyes of everyone with his skill & scoring prowess combined with William Opoku Asiedu who has been instrumental in front scoring goals. Abhishek Ambekar has been one of the finds of the tournament so far.
The team has several talented youngsters & are playing with a vision. The Minerva Academy is currently ranked as one of the best in the country & has previously played a part in providing players to U17 World Cup team. They had certainly made life tougher for visiting teams in Gurunanak Stadium.With a spirited & passionate owner in Ranjit Bajaj, this team can go miles to challenge for the I-League title.
Key Players:- Chencho Gyeltshen, William Opoku Asiedu
Pros:- Unbeaten at home (Gurunanak Stadium).
Cons:- Still has to prove their mettle outside Punjab & clash against North East teams & Kolkata giants. Lacks squad depth.
Rating: 8/10