New I-League season, new teams, new names, new talents and the most exciting of all, new prospects to get excited for. It’s been a good few weeks of I-League, and we are in with a few great young talents. This article is about the 24-year old defender Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak who hails from Aizawl.
Zuidika signed his first senior professional contract in 2018. He signed for a Mizoram Premier League Club named Chhinga Veng, which was also part of the I-League 2nd division. In the 2018-19 season, he was named the best defender in the Mizo league after his stellar performances at the back. He left for Aizawl FC after the following season. He made his debut on 9 January 2021 against RoundGlass Punjab FC, which they lost 1-0. He made a total of 11 appearances for the club throughout his debut campaign.
During the I-League 2nd Division in 2019, he caught one of our correspondent’s attention, who assured us that he is one of the following big things in Indian Football. Read the article here.
Amidst the interests from several ISL clubs, Sudeva FC roped him in ahead of the 21-22 season. Sudeva may not be having a great time at the moment, but they have been reasonably successful in their objective of giving more and more game time to its players. Not to mention that they are the only eligible team to use an all Indian lineup.
Zuidika has started most of the games as the Centre Back. He can also play as a Right Back. So far in the I-League, he has shown great skills, which the stats suggest. He has a total duel success rate of 61.35%. He wins 59.23% of aerial duels on the pitch. His passing accuracy of 80.2% is pretty solid for an Indian defender at this level—wyscout records a decently impressive 66% successful action rate for him.
In other news, it’s said that ISL will continue with the 7+4 rule for the upcoming season. With an increased spot for Indian players, the Centre Backs have benefitted the most. Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak could become a go-to chase for ISL clubs. Given that he will be more mature by the end of this season, teams getting their hands on this prospect would get something to cherish.
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