The current season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been nothing short of thrilling, showcasing a new generation of footballers stepping into the spotlight and leaving a lasting impression. As the search for the ‘Agla Hero’—the next big star in Indian football—continues, several young talents have already dazzled fans, coaches, and pundits with their outstanding performances during the first four Matchweeks, leading up to the international break, which runs until October 16.
Emerging Talents of the ISL
Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC)
Making a sensational debut in the ISL, Bengaluru FC academy graduate Vinith Venkatesh has been a key contributor to his team’s success this season. In just four appearances, he has recorded one goal and one assist, showcasing his consistency and skill. Vinith averages 17 passes per game with a 75% accuracy rate, has won 13 duels, and completed two dribbles. He made history by becoming the third Indian player in ISL history to contribute to a goal in each of his first two matches, firmly establishing himself as a rising star for Bengaluru FC.
David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal FC)
Despite limited playing time, 22-year-old David Lalhlansanga Hmar has made a significant impact for East Bengal FC. In only 43 minutes across three matches, he scored a crucial goal against FC Goa, making him the fifth-youngest player (22 years and 305 days) to score for East Bengal in ISL history. His energy and potential suggest he will be an important player as the season progresses.
Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC)
Kerala Blasters FC midfielder Mohammed Aimen has impressed with his creativity, recording two assists in four matches. He averages nine passes per game with an impressive 84% accuracy. Additionally, Aimen has made one interception, won three duels, and recorded five recoveries. His recent form is notable, as he has now assisted in four of his last six ISL games, making his four assists in 2024 the most by any Indian player from Kerala Blasters FC in a single calendar year.
PN Noufal (Mumbai City FC)
Mumbai City FC has discovered a promising talent in PN Noufal, who made a notable contribution in their season opener against Mohun Bagan Super Giant by assisting Thaer Krouma’s equalizing goal. This achievement made him the fifth player to assist in his debut for Mumbai City FC and the youngest to do so at just 23 years and 319 days. Throughout the season, Noufal has been dynamic on the field, averaging 13 passes per game at 69% accuracy, while creating three goal-scoring chances and making two recoveries.
Ayush Dev Chhetri (FC Goa)
Head coach Manolo Marquez has placed considerable trust in Ayush Dev Chhetri, who has played 117 minutes across three games, winning three duels and making six recoveries. Chhetri registered his first ISL assist against NorthEast United FC on October 4, 2024, making him the third youngest FC Goa player to achieve this feat at 21 years and 171 days, following Matheus Trindade and Narayan Das.
Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)
Nikhil Prabhu, a 24-year-old defender for Punjab FC, has delivered consistent performances, playing every minute of their three matches this season. He averages 38 passes per game with an 80% accuracy rate. Notably, he contested 19 duels in a match against Hyderabad FC in September, the joint third-highest by any player this season, and registered five interceptions in that game, the most in a single ISL match so far.
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC)
Chennaiyin FC midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte has earned a national team call-up due to his impressive ISL performances. In three games, he has averaged 20 passes at a 73% accuracy rate, created one goal-scoring opportunity, completed two successful dribbles, made 12 recoveries, and won 16 aerial duels, establishing himself as a crucial player in the midfield for the Marina Machans.
Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
At just 21 years old, defender Dippendu Biswas scored a quick goal in the 10th minute against NorthEast United FC, marking it as the third-fastest goal by an Indian for the Mariners in ISL history. This goal also stands as the second-fastest by an Indian in the current campaign. Overall, Biswas has shown impressive defensive skills, winning four tackles, eight duels, eight interceptions, and making 10 clearances in three matches.
Mohammed Sanan (Jamshedpur FC)
Mohammed Sanan K has established himself as a regular in Jamshedpur FC’s lineup after making 20 appearances last season. He has participated in all four of Jamshedpur’s matches this season, displaying promising attacking skills with 11 touches in the opposition box and averaging 10 passes per game.
Conclusion
As the ISL season progresses, these young talents are not only enhancing their individual careers but also contributing significantly to their teams’ performances. With each match, they bring excitement and anticipation for the future of Indian football as the search for the next big star continues. The upcoming international break will provide an opportunity for these players to rest and regroup as they aim to make even greater impacts in the matches to come.
