Odisha FC have announced the signing of 21-year-old attacking midfielder Samuel Lalmuanpuia from Kerala Blasters on a two-year deal.
Samuel who was signed from Shillong Lajong by the Blasters last season ended up making only five appearances in the ISL 2019-20 season. However, the Kerala Blasters’ former Head Coach Eelco Schattorie heaped praise on the youngster calling him one of the best players in Indian football.
Born in Mizoram, Samuel came into prominence when he helped Lajong win the Shillong Premier League Super Division in 2014, the U-19 Shillong Premier League in July 2015 and the Shillong Premier League Super Division in November 2015. He was the highest goalscorer in the tournament with 10 goals and three assists and was drafted into the senior team soon after.
Over the next few seasons, Samuel featured heavily in the I-League for the Reds. Early in 2019, he was loaned out to Minerva Punjab FC and the midfielder played in both the I-League and the AFC Cup competition.
Although only 21 years of age, four seasons in the I-League have blooded the youngster. He has 10 goals and five assists from 59 appearances in the I-League.
With less than an hour’s worth of time on the pitch last season with the Blasters, hopefully Samuel gets game time to help in his development and further his reputation as one of India’s brightest young talents.
—
Samuel’s exit marks a mini-exodus at the Kochi-based club as they seek to rebuild and overhaul yet again. Sandesh Jhingan left the Blasters recently and the CEO Viren D’Silva tendered his resignation.
One Comment