Top five Indian signings in the I-League so far

With I-League 2012-13 past its halfway stage now, Sportskeeda reviews the season by listing the top five Indian signings so far.

1. Arnab Mondal (East Bengal)

Arnab Mondal (fourth from left)

This central defender cemented his place in the East Bengal side after a brilliant performance in the Federation Cup final, where he also got on the scoresheet. Arnab has played every minute of East Bengal’s I-League campaign so far and has been even more consistent than the indispensable Uga Okpara. The former India U-23 international tackles cleanly and very rarely gets outmuscled even by some of the most powerful foreign strikers of the league. He has not only been the best Indian signing but also the best Indian defender in the I-League so far, and certainly deserves a call-up to the senior national team.

2. Bikramjit Singh (Churchill Brothers)

Bikramjit (left, No.28 of Churchill Brothers)

It is never easy for a 20-year-old to make an instant impact at a big club but this former Pailan Arrows player has done just that. Bikramjit has been a regular alongside Lenny Rodrigues in Churchill Brothers’ central midfield and his hard working displays have played an important role in the Goan club’s superb first half of the season. Bikramjit’s work rate and stamina is up there with the very best in the I-League but the youngster can also distribute the ball well, and scored the match winner in the away win over Prayag United. Churchill’s faith in this youngster has paid off.

3. CK Vineeth (Prayag United)

Vineeth (right, No.30 of Prayag United)

Prayag United’s ambitious project hasn’t gone according to plan as they have failed to mount a serious title challenge so far, but this wide midfielder hasn’t done much wrong. Vineeth, who was at United Kerala last season, was a regular on the left flank under Sanjoy Sen and has kept his place under new coach Eelco Schattorie also. In fact, his consistency has kept India international Lester Fernandez out of the side as he has managed three goals in 13 appearances and has been one of Prayag’s best Indian players. He would be looking to increase his tally and bag a few more assists in the second half of the season.

4. Pradeep Mohanraj (Air India)

(Bottom row second from right) Pradeep Mohanraj

Pradeep was never a regular for United Kerala last season, but has been one of Air India’s best players this term. After some match winning displays in the Durand Cup, Pradeep impressed in the Federation Cup and has been consistent in the I-League also. The 22-year-old can operate both in defence and midfield and at Air India has been mostly used as a wide midfielder. The brace in the win over ONGC has been his most eye catching performance and Pradeep’s progress has been closely monitored by India coach Wim Koevermans as he remains on the fringes of the national team.

5. Manandeep Singh (East Bengal)

Manandeep (right)

The 2012 FPAI Young Player of the Year hasn’t allowed the publicity to affect him after his move from Air India to East Bengal this season. He was instrumental in East Bengal’s Federation Cup success and has produced some impressive displays in the I-League also. His goal against Churchill Brothers from just outside the box has been one of the goals of the season but even when he hasn’t scored, Manandeep has contributed to the team’s cause with his work ethic. The 20-year-old finished as the second highest Indian scorer last season and will be aiming to go one better this time.