ISL 2024-25: Five Indian breakout stars of Indian Super League 11

The 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League saw some new faces that graced the pitch and made us get off our seats. Here are Sportstar’s pick of the top five emerging Indian talents from ISL this season who grabbed the spotlight on multiple occasions.

All the players in the list are under the age of 24.

Hrithik Tiwari (Goalkeeper) – FC Goa

In a position where players reach their prime in their late 20’s or early 30’s, Hrithik Tiwari has shown great maturity and managed to solidify his place as FCG’s first choice goal-keeper under Manolo Marquez at just 23.

After Laxmikant Kattimani’s poor performance at the start of the season, the man from FCG’s reserve team stepped in with 52 saves in 19 appearances and helped the Gaurs keep seven clean sheets to cement his place in the team. After a nervy start to the season Goa managed to finish second in the table in which the young custodian played a major role.

ALSO READ | Sportstar’s team of the season for Indian Super League 11

Dippendu Biswas (Defender) – Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Despite MBSG’s star studded squad Dippendu Biswas has managed to shine and be a solid force at the Mariner’s backline.

The defender was second fiddle to Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez. Despite that, he managed to get 14 appearances and managed to contribute five clean sheets among Bagan’s record-breaking 16. He won 14 tackles, 42 duels and chipped in with 39 interceptions. The 21-year-old also proved to have attacking knack, scoring a goal and providing 2 assists.

At such a young age, Dippendu has managed to showcase excellent defensive maturity and ability making him a prospect for the future of Mohun Bagan and the national team.

Vinith Venkatesh (Midfielder) – Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.

The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Blues’ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.

Macarton Louis Nickson (Midfielder) – NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.

Macarton Louis Nickson of NorthEast United FC in action during ISL 2024-25.
| Photo Credit:
FSDL/ISL Media

With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack. Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.

Brison Fernandes (Forward) – FC Goa

Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.

Brison Fernandes of FC Goa in action during a match of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024 -25 season.
| Photo Credit:
FSDL/ISL Media

Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.

FC Goa and Indian national team head coach Manolo Marquez was all praise for his midfielder saying. “I’ve always said he’s one of the best players I’ve coached in my five years in India.”