 "ISL 2024-25: The top 5 young talents to follow this season")
The latest season of the Indian Super League (ISL) gets underway on 13 September, with 13 teams, including Mohammedan SC, fighting for the top prize in Indian football. Mohammedan SC, the famous club from Kolkata, is the latest addition to the ISL after securing direct promotion to the league ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The Black Panthers will look to bring their familiar “never say die” attitude to the top football league in the country. However, also fighting for the limelight will be a bunch of young Indian footballers. The ISL presents the perfect opportunity for these players to make the country sit up and take notice of their talent.
ISL 2024-25: Teams and full list of fixtures for upcoming season
As we gear up for the ISL 2024-25 season, here’s a look at the top five youngsters to keep an eye on.
David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal FC)
India desperately needs a reliable striker, and David Lalhlansanga has all the makings of a top forward. He won the I-League and the Calcutta Football League last season with Kolkata’s Mohammedan SC before moving to East Bengal for the 2024-25 season. In the CFL last season, Lalhlansanga scored 21 goals and claimed the Golden Boot with six goals in the Durand Cup.
The former Aizawal FC striker has also been part of the Indian team setup but is still to make his debut.
With Cleiton Silva and Dimitrios Diamantakos at the club, Lalhlansanga may not get as many opportunities initially. However, it’s a long season, and if chances come his way, the Manipur striker is well capable of making a significant impact for both himself and the team.
Mohammed Sanan K (Jamshedpur FC)
Mohammed Sanan lit up the ISL last season during his debut campaign with the energy that he brings to the field. The Jamshedpur FC left winger played in 20 matches, scoring two goals and making one assist. Even more impressive were the 13 chances he created and the 12 key passes he executed, which highlighted his prowess in the attacking area of the pitch.
The Malappuram-born attacker is already in good form, having scored two goals in three Durand Cup matches. The 204-25 could very well be the season that establishes him as a regular as the 20-year-old looks to improve further in his second ISL season.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC)
Only 19, the Manipuri defender has already made a name for himself for his lung-bursting runs on the right flank. With 12 matches already under his belt in his debut season, Abhishek is expected to play a bigger role for Punjab in the 2024-25 season.
Keep an eye out for Abhishek’s ability to help his team in attack with his blistering run from the right-back position which should be a crucial element in Punjab FC’s gameplay this season.
Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC)
Kerala love their football and footballers. Vibin Mohanan only at 21 has already created a space for himself in the hearts of his home state fans. Only 21, Mohanan played 19 matches last season after making just four appearances in the 2022-23 season. His biggest strength is his composure, control of the ball, and ability to move the game with his forward passes.
Blasters would be hoping to make maximum use of this talent, especially now that Jeakson Singh has departed for East Bengal FC. Mohanan last season had an 85% pass accuracy and created 13 chances. This season he will be looking to register even more impressive stats.
Chingambam Shivaldo Singh (Bengaluru FC)
Chingambam Shivaldo Singh was once a centre-back and right-back but now plays as a right midfielder or right winger and made his ISL debut last season. The 20-year-old Manipur footballer registered one goal and an assist in 12 matches last season which is a pretty good return.
The right side for Bengaluru was once marshalled by another Manipuri, Udanta Singh, and Shivaldo will look to make the position his own in the coming season.
Other young players to watch out for: Vishnu PV (East Bengal FC), Huidrom Thoi Singh (NorthEast United FC), Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC) Macarton Louis Nickson (NorthEast United FC), and Brison Fernandes (FC Goa).
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