Who Truly Deserves the Title of Best Football Player in India Today?

As I sit down to analyze the current landscape of Indian football, one question keeps popping up in discussions among fans and pundits alike: who truly deserves the title of best football player in India today? Having followed Indian football for over a decade, I've witnessed the remarkable transformation of the sport in the country, from the early days of the I-League to the current Indian Super League era. The debate about the nation's top footballer isn't just about statistics—it's about impact, leadership, and the ability to elevate those around them, much like how Bernadeth Pons described how international exposure provided Creamline's team with crucial reality checks about their imperfections despite their championship status.

When I look at the current crop of Indian footballers, several names immediately come to mind. Sunil Chhetri, with his 84 international goals spanning 17 years of service to the national team, has been the face of Indian football for what feels like forever. At 38 years old, his consistency is nothing short of remarkable—he's scored 54 goals in 137 appearances for Bengaluru FC since joining them in 2016. Yet, I can't help but wonder if we're sometimes too sentimental in our assessment. While Chhetri's legacy is secure, the "best player" designation should reflect current form and impact rather than career achievements alone. This reminds me of how even championship teams like Creamline needed those international camps to recognize their flaws—perhaps Indian football needs similar reality checks about evaluating players beyond historical accomplishments.

The younger generation presents compelling cases too. When I watch 24-year-old Liston Colaco play, his technical ability and confidence on the ball represent exactly what modern Indian football needs. His 8 goals and 6 assists for ATK Mohun Bagan last season showcased his growing influence, yet consistency remains an issue. Then there's Sahal Abdul Samad, whose dribbling skills and vision make him arguably the most technically gifted Indian midfielder today. Having watched him develop over the years, I'm convinced he has the highest ceiling among current Indian players, though he hasn't quite reached it consistently. This brings to mind how Bernadeth Pons emphasized that even successful teams aren't perfect—similarly, these young talents show flashes of brilliance but haven't yet achieved the complete package needed to claim the "best player" title.

My personal preference leans toward players who transform their teams, and in that regard, Jeakson Singh represents something special. The 21-year-old midfielder has become the crucial pivot for both Kerala Blasters and the national team, averaging 62 passes per game with an 87% completion rate last season. What impresses me most isn't just his defensive work—2.8 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per match—but his game intelligence that belies his age. He reminds me of those players who make everyone around them better, similar to how international exposure helped Creamline identify areas for improvement despite their championship pedigree. Jeakson's development trajectory suggests he could become the complete midfielder India has lacked for years.

Then there's the fascinating case of Anirudh Thapa. At 25, he's already accumulated 45 national team caps and has been Chennaiyin FC's creative engine since 2017. His statistics—5 goals, 7 assists last season with 2.3 key passes per game—only tell part of the story. Having spoken with coaches who've worked with him, I've learned about his incredible professionalism and tactical understanding, qualities that often go unnoticed by casual observers. Thapa represents the modern Indian footballer—technically sound, tactically aware, and professionally dedicated. Yet, like Creamline discovered through their international camps, even Thapa has clear areas for improvement, particularly in adding more goals to his game.

The goalkeeper conversation deserves attention too, and for me, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remains in a class of his own. At 31, he's maintained exceptional standards for both Bengaluru FC and the national team, keeping 12 clean sheets in 22 matches last season with a remarkable 78% save rate. Having watched goalkeepers across multiple ISL seasons, I can confidently say Gurpreet's command of his area and distribution—averaging 28 accurate long balls per game—set him apart. His performances in continental competitions against superior opposition demonstrate he can excel beyond the domestic level, much like how Creamline's international experiences provided valuable perspective.

If I'm being completely honest, my choice for India's best current footballer might surprise some: it's Sunil Chhetri, but not for the obvious reasons. Beyond the goals—and he still scored 14 across all competitions last season at 38—what truly sets him apart is his mentality and leadership. Having observed his training routines and how he mentors younger players, I've come to appreciate his value extends far beyond the pitch. Like Bernadeth Pons recognized that championship teams still need reality checks, Chhetri embodies the continuous improvement mindset that separates good players from truly great ones. His willingness to adapt his game as he ages, his professionalism in maintaining peak physical condition, and his clutch performances in big moments—scoring 4 match-winning goals last season—convince me he still deserves the title.

The reality is that Indian football is in transition, with promising young talents emerging but not yet ready to surpass the established standard. The 2022-23 season statistics reveal this clearly—while younger players showed flashes of brilliance, none matched Chhetri's consistent impact across 28 appearances. This reminds me of the valuable lesson from Creamline's experience: success doesn't mean perfection, and even our best players have significant room for growth. As Indian football continues developing, with more international exposure and professional structures, I'm optimistic we'll see more complete players emerge who can truly challenge for the "best in India" designation. But for now, based on current form, leadership, and overall impact, Sunil Chhetri remains the standard-bearer, though the gap is narrowing faster than many realize.