As the 11th season of the ISL kicked off, the subsequent search for the next young talent of Indian football commenced. Let us look at some of the best-performing youngsters in ISL 2024-25.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has been a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the rising talent and competitive spirit of Indian football. With four match weeks already completed, a new generation of footballers has emerged, captivating fans and experts alike.
These young players have demonstrated exceptional skills, tactical awareness, and a hunger for success. Their performances have been instrumental in elevating the standard of play in the ISL, making it a highly competitive and entertaining league. As the search for the ‘Agla Hero’ continues, these young talents are undoubtedly leading the charge, promising a bright future for Indian football.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of these young stars and their respective teams. With the international break concluding on October 16th, the ISL will resume with renewed intensity, and these talented players will have another opportunity to showcase their abilities and make a lasting impact on the league. Let us take a look at some of the youngsters who made a significant impact for their teams.
Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC)
Bengaluru FC academy graduate Vinith Venkatesh has made a strong impression in his debut season in the Indian Super League (ISL). The young midfielder has been instrumental to his team’s success, contributing a goal and an assist in four appearances.
Vinith has proven to be a consistent performer, averaging 17 passes per game at a 75% accuracy rate. He has also won 13 duels and completed two dribbles, showcasing his technical ability and defensive prowess. His contributions have been crucial to Bengaluru FC’s success, and he has quickly established himself as a key player for the team.
Vinith’s goal and assist in his first two appearances have made him the third Indian player in ISL history to achieve this feat. This accomplishment highlights his talent and potential, and it is clear that he has a bright future ahead in Indian football.
Take a look at Vinith Venkatesh’s debut goal for BFC.
David Lalhlansanga Hmar (East Bengal FC)
Despite limited playing time, 22-year-old David Lalhlansanga Hmar has made a significant impact for East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). In just 43 minutes across three matches, he has scored a crucial goal against FC Goa, becoming the fifth-youngest player to achieve this feat for East Bengal in the ISL.
Hmar’s energy and potential have been evident in his brief appearances. His goal against FC Goa demonstrated his ability to make a difference even with limited playing time. As the season progresses, Hmar is expected to play a key role for East Bengal FC, and his contributions will be crucial for the team’s success.
Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC)
Kerala Blasters FC’s rising star, Mohammed Aimen, has been a revelation this season. His exceptional creativity and consistent performances have propelled the team’s success. With his precise passing and ability to find his teammates in dangerous positions, Aimen has proven to be a key playmaker.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Aimen has also shown a willingness to contribute defensively. His interceptions, tackles, and recoveries have helped solidify Kerala Blasters FC’s backline.
Aimen’s recent record-breaking achievement of four assists in 2024 is a testament to his exceptional talent and impact on the team. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see what Aimen can achieve and how he continues to contribute to Kerala Blasters FC’s success.
PN Noufal (Mumbai City FC)
Mumbai City FC have discovered a hidden gem in PN Noufal, whose impressive debut against Mohun Bagan Super Giant has quickly turned heads. Noufal’s assist for Thaer Krouma’s late equalizing goal not only showcased his creative abilities but also made him a part of an exclusive club. He became the fifth player to register an assist in his debut for Mumbai City FC and the youngest to do so at the tender age of 23 years and 319 days.
Noufal’s impact on the field extends beyond his assist. His energetic style of play has made him a livewire for Mumbai City FC. With an average of 13 passes per game at a respectable 69% accuracy, Noufal has demonstrated his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities. His three goal-scoring chances created highlight his vision and understanding of the game.
Furthermore, Noufal’s defensive contributions should not be overlooked. His two recoveries per game show his willingness to help out his teammates and contribute to the team’s overall defensive structure.
As Noufal continues to gain experience and develop his skills, he has the potential to become a key player for Mumbai City FC. His impressive debut and early performances suggest that he is a promising young talent who could make a significant impact in the Indian Super League.
Ayush Dev Chhetri (FC Goa)
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez’s faith in Ayush Dev Chhetri is evident in the playing time he has been granted this season of ISL. The young Indian midfielder has already clocked 117 minutes across three games, showcasing his potential and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.
Chhetri’s recent assist against NorthEast United FC in ISL marked a significant milestone in his young career. At 21 years and 171 days, he became the third-youngest FC Goa player to provide an assist, following in the footsteps of Matheus Trindade and Narayan Das. This achievement highlights Chhetri’s talent, maturity, and ability to make a difference in crucial moments.
While Chhetri’s defensive contributions have been commendable, his assist against NorthEast United FC demonstrates his offensive capabilities. His ability to create chances and contribute to the team’s attacking play is a valuable asset for FC Goa.
As Chhetri continues to gain experience and develop his skills, he has the potential to become a key player for FC Goa in the years to come. His performances so far suggest that he is a promising young talent who can significantly impact the ISL.
Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)
Nikhil Prabhu has been a cornerstone of Punjab FC’s defensive line this season, consistently delivering solid performances. The 24-year-old defender has played every minute of their three games so far, showcasing his reliability and fitness.
Prabhu’s passing accuracy of 80% indicates his ability to distribute the ball effectively from the back. His average of 38 passes per game demonstrates his involvement in the team’s build-up play.
The match against Hyderabad FC in September highlighted Prabhu’s defensive prowess. He contested a remarkable 19 duels, which was the joint third-highest by any player in the ISL this season. Additionally, his five interceptions in that game were the joint most in a single ISL game this season. These statistics underline his ability to win tackles, break up opposition attacks, and disrupt their rhythm.
Prabhu’s consistent performances have been instrumental in Punjab FC’s defensive solidity. His ability to read the game, anticipate opponents’ moves, and make timely interventions has been crucial in preventing goals. As the season progresses, Prabhu’s continued excellence will be vital for Punjab FC’s success.
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC)
The Chennaiyin FC midfielder’s impressive performances in the Indian Super League have earned him a well-deserved national team call-up. His contributions to the Marina Machans have been invaluable, and his consistent performances have caught the attention of the national selectors.
In just three games, the midfielder has showcased his versatility and ability to control the tempo of the game. His average of 20 passes at 73% accuracy demonstrates his precision and efficiency in distributing the ball. His creation of a goal-scoring opportunity highlights his attacking instincts and ability to find his teammates in dangerous positions.
Furthermore, the midfielder’s defensive contributions have been equally impressive. His successful dribbles, recoveries, and aerial duels have helped Chennaiyin FC maintain possession and break up opposition attacks. His ability to win back the ball and initiate counterattacks has been a valuable asset to the team.
The midfielder’s national team call-up is a testament to his hard work, talent, and consistent performances. His impressive ISL outings have earned him the recognition he deserves, and it will be exciting to see how he performs at the international level.
Dippendu Biswas (Mohunbagan Supergiants)
Dippendu Biswas has made a remarkable start to his ISL career. His early goal against NorthEast United FC scored in just the 10th minute, showcased his speed, agility, and finishing ability. This strike was the third-fastest goal by an Indian player for his team in ISL history, highlighting his exceptional pace and clinical finishing.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Biswas has also proven to be a valuable asset in defense. His impressive tackle count, duel wins, interceptions, and clearances demonstrate his defensive acumen and ability to contribute to his team’s overall defensive solidity.
Overall, Biswas’s performances in his first few matches have been highly impressive. His combination of offensive flair and defensive solidity makes him a promising young talent in Indian football. If he continues to perform at this level, he could become a key player for his team and a rising star in the ISL.
Watch Dippendu’s first senior goal for Mohunbagan Supergiants.
Mohammed Sanan (Jamshedpur FC)
Mohammed Sanan K has established himself as a valuable asset to Jamshedpur FC. Building upon his impressive performances from last season, he has continued to be a regular starter under Khalid Jamil’s management. His consistent appearances in the team’s lineup highlight his reliability and adaptability.
Sanan’s contributions to the team extend beyond his defensive duties. His ability to create scoring chances and contribute to the team’s attacking efforts is evident in his 11 touches in the opposition box. Additionally, his average of 10 passes per game demonstrates his ability to maintain possession and build attacks effectively.
Overall, Sanan’s performances have been promising. His contributions to Jamshedpur FC’s success suggest that he has a bright future in the Indian Super League. As he continues to develop and gain experience, he has the potential to become a key player for his team and a rising star in Indian football.
Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)
Jithin MS has been an integral part of Juan Pedro Benali’s tactical setup for his team. His ability to create scoring opportunities and provide assists has been instrumental in the team’s success.
In just four games in this ISL season, Jithin has created seven goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. His one assist so far demonstrates his ability to provide key passes and help his team score goals. Additionally, his physicality and willingness to compete for the ball were evident in his 21 contested duels against Mohammedan SC, the most by any player in a single game in the current ISL season.
Overall, Jithin MS’s performances have been impressive. His contributions to the team’s success have been significant, and he has the potential to continue to be a key player for his team in the future.
