Lallianzuala Chhangte is highly rated and is a product of Liverpool’s youth academy in India. He started his career with DSK Shivajians-Liverpool International Football Academy based in Pune. He finished his team’s debut season in the 2014 U-19 I-League as the top scorer with 16 goals.
Not surprisingly, he received a senior call up in December 2015 and became the second youngest to represent the nation. Not only that, on his debut against Nepal in the SAFF Championship, the Mizo youngster scored two goals, breaking Baichung Bhutia’s 20-year-old record.
Chhangte is a very impressive player, and it comes as no surprise that NorthEast were keen to utilise that talent. The Highlanders also signed Chhangte’s DSK teammate Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who has done equally well and has been rewarded with an India call up.
Despite being just 19, Chhangte should get enough minutes for the side, and will help him make a lasting impression. He can operate as a forward or on the flanks. It will be his responsibility to support Nico Velez and share the weight of scoring goals to ensure NorthEast progress beyond the league stage. He has a bright future, and a season with the Highlanders might be a crucial step towards reaching great heights.