4 Indian youth strikers who might replace Sunil Chhetri in the future
There has never been a debate on Sunil Chhetri's contribution to Indian football over the years. The journey that began in 2005 has seen 115 international caps and 72 goals, which remains the most by any Indian. But, the harsh truth is that the talisman is 35 years old and might not be around for too long.
There is no denying the fact that the Bengaluru FC striker has a lot of football left in him and is perhaps the most energetic player on the field, even when competing against those 10-15 years younger than him.
However, football pundits have often stressed the importance of nurturing a replacement for the forward. Though numerous names have come up with the 'Next Chhetri' tag, most have failed to cope up with the pressure.
Even if a direct replacement is not found anytime soon, India at the very least, require a goal-scoring striker to shoulder the burden at the international level. The two top leagues in the country have an alarming shortage of domestic strikers that is not addressed by any of the ISL or I-League clubs.
Though names like Farukh Choudhary and Jeje Lalpekhlua have the ability to stand in at times, Indian football needs a better and more permanent solution.
Here, we will look at four unheralded youth strikers in India who might replace Sunil Chhetri in the future, provided they are nurtured properly.
#4 Leon Augustine (Bengaluru FC)
Leon Augustine is a winger who was born in Kerala and joined the Bengaluru FC youth setup, four years ago. The 21-year-old was part of BFC's U-18 and reserve sides before playing for Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy.
In March 2018, Leon made his senior team debut when he was used as a substitute against Abhani Limited Dhaka in an AFC Cup fixture. He returned to the reserve side and was a constant menace to the opposition defences in the I-League second division.
The winger's stellar performance, which included six goals and three assists in the BDFA Super Division League earned him a call-up to Carles Cuadrat's senior team for the final phases of the ISL. He started one game in the league and instantly grabbed attention with his pacy runs and dribbling skills.
Augustine might get more first-team chances next season and if he manages to overcome those challenges, a national camp call-up wouldn't be a distant dream.
#3 Ronaldo Oliveira (Kerala Blasters Reserves)
Ronaldo Oliveira might be a surprise addition for many, although that may not be the case for those who have followed him closely in Goa. The 22-year-old is a product of the Salgaocar Academy and enjoyed an impressive spell at the club before moving to East Bengal in I-League.
However, his time at Kolkata didn't proceed as planned as he managed only four games, which including a solitary start. Subsequently, he moved to the Kerala Blasters earlier this year and scored four goals from five games with the reserve team.
Though the raw numbers might not portray him as a fit for the national team currently, he can be looked at if the side is desperate for a new face. He was a regular goal-scorer during his days at Salgaocar and seems an apt fit for India's premier club competition.
If Oliveira can make full use of an ISL call-up, he might only be a season or two away from stardom.
#2 Liston Colaco (Hyderabad FC)
Liston Colaco played 146 minutes in 14 games during three seasons at FC Goa, a total contrast to his two-month tenure at Hyderabad FC.
The striker is another product of the Salgaocar Academy and made the big move when FC Goa came calling ahead of the 2017/18 season. However, in light of the sparse first-team playing time he received, the 21-year-old couldn't live up to his potential.
When Hyderabad FC signed him in January this year, he was in for a sudden change in fortunes. Liston played four games, scored two goals and attracted a lot of praise, including a national camp call-up from Igor Stimac.
Though the lad from Goa was very unlikely to make it to the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers, he ticked a few boxes that the national team head coach had chalked out.
Liston certainly has a long way to go before finding his feet at the international level but, one reckons that he might be looked upon to fulfill the role of a striker in the Indian national team, sooner rather than later.
#1 Vikram Pratap Singh (Indian Arrows)
Vikram Pratap Singh rose to limelight after being part of India's U-16 side at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship. The forward, who also plays on the right-wing, has been plying his trade for developmental side Indian Arrows in the I-League since.
The lad from Punjab boasts the ability to create something out of nothing and has been leading the young Arrows side from the front. He found the back of the net four times from 14 games this season and has substantially developed his attributes as a finisher.
Vikram possesses incredible vision and can vary his style of play according to the team's needs. The 18-year-old, in all likelihood, would make a move to an ISL club in a season or two, just like his predecessors.
And, if he can prove his mettle in the top tier of Indian football, he could be a handy asset for the national side as well, considering the experience he has garnered through exposure tours and international tournaments.