ISL 2024-25 season is expected to be one of the most competitive ever with 13 teams and it will showcase some young bloods alongside the star signings. More teams have stressed the youth to contribute to the squad this time with some even being first-teamers rather than being used as a backup. Others might be a mainstay in the team for seasons to come. Someone the club could trust to deliver consistently alongside the experienced heads. While any future gem could spring up midway in the season, below we have listed five talents expected to be on the lips of the fans throughout the campaign and even earn a call-up to the national team in future if the opportunity arises.
Nihal Sudeesh (Punjab FC)
An exciting winger to watch, Nihal Sudeesh showed his glimpse of talent in his debut season with Kerala Blasters but moving to Punjab FC on loan for regular game-time might prove his worth. The 23-year-old blonde hair guy depicting a European winger has hit the ground running at his new club with his pace and trickery making it hard for the defence to handle. After a strong performance in the Durand Cup, Nihal netted his first ISL goal for Punjab FC in just the second league game of the season. The Shers can rely on the prodigy to fire them up for a playoff battle or even higher prizes this season.
Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Stepped up in the absence of first-choice defenders due to injuries last season, Dippendu Biswas burst onto the scene by receiving a promotion from the reserve squad to be a key contributor to Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s ISL Shield winning run. The centre-back showed unreal maturity at the age of 20 and hardly put any foot wrong partnering with experienced heads like Subhasish Bose for a solid backline. Dippendu looks to be more of a starter this season with Anwar Ali departing the club and new coach Jose Molina insisting on one foreigner to start in defence in the ISL at least for obvious reasons.
David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal)
Golden Boot winner in the Durand Cup and Calcutta Football League last season for Mohammedan SC, David Lalhlansanga was under the radar of East Bengal to be their dream striker going forward. Despite the Black Panthers earning promotion to ISL and competition for his place in his new club, the 22-year-old decided to don the Red and Gold jersey to play in the league. Alongside star forwards Dimitrios Diamnatakos and captain Cleiton Silva, East Bengal is looking at the prospect of coming up with match-winning strikes having received the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year award for his performances.
Noufal PN (Mumbai City)
Another future star forward poached by an ISL side from the I-League is Noufal PN after he joined Mumbai City FC from Gokulam Kerala. The 23-year-old impressed massively in his time with the Malabarians becoming an attacking threat with his pace, energy and directness. Although he did not score much, his never-dying attitude to keep the flanks alive caused headaches for the opponents. Noufal made an instant impact joining the Islanders, assisting the last-minute equalising goal by Thaer Krouma as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan on his debut. The winger hopes to gain more minutes eventually by delivering his talent in his first ISL season.
Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC)
A product of the Bengaluru FC youth system, Vinith Venkatesh is making a steady name for himself this season after being offered a first-team promotion by coach Gerard Zaragoza. Having scored twice in the Durand Cup including in the semifinal, the 19-year-old and the youngest among the names mentioned scored the winner in his first ISL game against East Bengal. Such incredible showings will stem Venkatesh's place in the starting eleven or he will be a valuable asset to bring on to change games later. The Blues want to strike the right balance this season to revive their glory days and the youth product might become a key element in that journey.
