By Akhil Rawat,
AIFF Media Team
KOLKATA: With three goals and an assist, Aizawl FC’s Ramhlunchhunga is the highest Indian goal contributor so far in the Hero I-League this season. At just 20 years of age, this is already Chhunga’s third season with the Reds, and he is absolutely making it count.
With his nimble feet and quick passing, Chhunga has made the left-wing position his own at Aizawl. Thanks to his top-notch finishing this season, he is now dealing in football’s most important currency, i.e. goals. Chhunga’s three goals have resulted from just 0.88 xG, and two of them have come from outside the area.
His best goal arrived on Gameweek 8 against Kenkre, with the game locked at 0-0 in the 74th minute. From just outside the box, he blasted a first-time shot straight into the roof of the net to win all three points for Aizawl. It was the sweetest of strikes, almost unstoppable, with perfectly-balanced power and accuracy.
Apart from goalscoring, Chhunga excels in creativity as well. He averages 6.6 dribbles per 90, the highest in his team and the sixth-highest in the entire league. With 5 key passes, 5 chances created, and 10 crosses, the youngster is arguably Aizawl’s best source of inventiveness.
For all his qualities in attack, Chhunga isn’t all about offense and stays committed to helping Aizawl out in defence too. He has 24 tackles (3rd highest in the team), won 49 challenges (5th highest) and made 14 ball recoveries (most by any forward).
Chhunga’s all-around abilities have made him an indispensable player under coach Yan Law, who will be hoping to see more of the same from the 20-year-old for the rest of the campaign.