A highly regarded league in the Asian circuit is the Indian Super League (ISL). Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa and other elite teams in the Indian Super League are home to some of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL. To the benefit of Indian football, the ISL develops exceptional talent. These Indian midfielders are vital to their teams. These players influence the tempo and flow of the game by pulling on the strings with balletic precision.
The midfielders in the ISL exhibit a range of talents – some are known for their defensive grit. Others showcase their artistic flair in creating scoring opportunities. Unquestionably, this group of players is essential to the success of their teams.
It isn’t a complete list, but it does showcase some of the outstanding Indian midfielders who are helping the league advance right now. These young players have a bright future, and as they continue to grow, the ISL will undoubtedly reach even greater heights.
To determine the standout midfielders in the ISL, we will evaluate their recent performance, influence on their teams, and performance in important matches. Injuries and playing time matter, but the leading factor is their importance to their club’s success. The minimum match time is 900 mins. We’ll then crown the true maestros who consistently elevate their teams. So, let’s focus on the list of the best Indian midfielders in ISL.
Table of Contents
The List of Top 14 Best Indian Midfielders in the ISL 2023-24
| # | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lalengmawia Ralte | Mumbai City FC |
| 2 | Sahal Abdul Samad | Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
| 3 | Brandon Fernandes | FC Goa |
| 4 | Mohammad Yasir | FC Goa |
| 5 | Anirudh Thapa | Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
| 6 | Vibin Mohanan | Kerala Blasters FC |
| 7 | Deepak Tangri | Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
| 8 | Boris Singh | FC Goa |
| 9 | Mohammed Aimen | Kerala Blasters FC |
| 10 | Lalthathanga Khawlhring | Odisha FC |
| 11 | Imran Khan | Jamshedpur FC |
| 12 | Suresh Singh Wangjam | Bengaluru FC |
| 13 | Konsam Phalguni Singh | North-East United FC |
| 14 | Souvik Chakrabarti | Emami East Bengal FC |
14. Souvik Chakrabarti (Emami East Bengal FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Souvik Alok Chakrabarti
- Date of Birth-Â 12.07.1991
- Place of Birth-Â Kolkata, West Bengal
- Foot-Â Both
- Positions- CM, RB, DM
At first, we talk about Souvik. Everyone recognizes the veteran central midfielder in Indian football. For a long time, he served in Indian football. However, he has re-birth his career from Emami East Bengal after suffering injuries and insufficient performances.
Souvik is a technically sound and physically fit player who can play in offence and defence. He can help to win possession of the ball in midfield. Some of his outstanding qualities are his crossing and passing. With precise deliveries, he can set up teammates for scores.
Souvik has played a variety of positions during his career, including right midfield, centre midfield and even right back and left back. It indicates that he is willing and able to adjust to his coach’s methods. With the pair of Saul Crespo, Souvik handled the midfield of the Red and Gold brigade efficiently.
He proved himself among the best Indian midfielders in ISL 2023-24. In the 2023-24 season, he performed outstandingly against Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC.
Souvik Chakrabarti Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1351 |
| Goals | Nil |
| Assists | Nil |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 78% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.263 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.474 |
| Clearances/Match | 1.579 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.895 |
13. Konsam Phalguni Singh (North-East United FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Konsam Phalguni Singh
- Date of Birth-Â 01.03.1995
- Place of Birth-Â Manipur
- Foot-Â Right
- Positions- CM, DM
Konsam Phalguni Singh had a superb season with North-East United FC in his debuted ISL season. This young gun can play multiple roles like DM, CM, AM and RM. He was the vital cog of Benali’s plan throughout the season.
Benali used him in difficult situations to control the midfield. His presence in midfield was a crucial wall for his team and an attacking force.
Even though he covers a lot of ground during a game, he focuses on simple gameplay and always plays with intelligence. Phalguni Singh’s primary strengths are his defensive awareness and positional discipline.
He also has an added quality, like a set-piece taker. His gameplay against Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters FC and Odisha FC was a phenomenon. He proved himself as one of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL.
Konsam Phalguni Singh Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 966 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assist | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 76% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.55 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.8 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.25 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.45 |
12. Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Date of Birth-Â 07.08.2000
- Place of Birth- Manipur
- Foot- Right
- Positions- CM, DM
For a long time, Suresh has been a well-known face for the Indian national team and club football. There is no doubt that Suresh is an essential member of the Blues’ midfield. He is a versatile midfielder who covers a lot of ground with attacking and defensive qualities. Wangjam is at ease with the ball despite playing defence.
He can make easy passes and maintain team possession. Many players are making accurate tackles. However, he is one of the Indian midfielders who enlisted his name among them, and his positioning sense was top-notch. Against Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC, he showed his class in ISL 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, under Simon Grayson, he did not perform up to his expected standards. Still, in the Zaragoza era, he showed some glimpses. We hope he will provide a high in the upcoming season.
Suresh Singh Wangjam Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1556 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Assist | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 85% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 1.158 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.737 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.526 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.842 |
11. Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name- Suresh Singh Wangjam
- Date of Birth- 07.08.2000
- Place of Birth- Manipur
- Foot- Right
- Positions- CM, DM
Imran Khan has become one of Jamshedpur FC’s most important players for the 2023–24 Indian Super League campaign. He, regarded as one of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL, has contributed significantly to his team’s feats with his performances. His vision and creativity on the ball have continuously noticed him. Especially in high-stakes matches, Khan has shown remarkable skill throughout the season.
He has become an essential member of Jamshedpur’s midfield thanks to his ability to dictate the game’s pace and make accurate passes. In addition, his work rate and defensive contributions have been excellent, displaying his versatility as one of the best midfield players in India. Imran’s impact has been evident at crucial times.
He has always stepped up to the plate, whether blocking opponents’ attacks or planning scoring goals. Imran Khan’s performance against Mumbai City FC and North-East FC is remarkable. For his outstanding performances, he got called up by the national team.
Imran Khan Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1515 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 76% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 1.105 |
| Key Passes/Match | 1.474 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.368 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.526 |
10. Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Odisha FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Lalthathanga Khawlhring
- Date of Birth-Â 30.03.1998
- Place of Birth-Â Aizawl, Mizoram
- Foot-Â Left
- Positions- CM, DM
Lalthathanga Khawlhring is known as Puitea. In Sergio Lobera’s team, Puitea is the vital Indian player in the Odisha FC midfield. He has firmly established himself as one of the top midfielders in the ISL. With the pair of Ahmed Jahouh, he combines play from midfield, skillfully fusing attack and defence.
Puitea has proved why he is one of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL with his vision of accurate passing and the ability to manage the game tempo. Under Sergio Lobera, Puitea rediscovers his previous form, displaying a strong work ethic, precise tackles, and exceptional ball-winning skills.
He has proven his value under pressure on multiple occasions when his presence has swung the balance in his team’s favour. His ability to read the game and make critical interceptions that breach the opponent’s play highlights his impact on the field.
Puitea discovers himself as a versatile midfielder, combining his defensive skills with offensive support. Don’t forget these incredible performances: He shined in the matches against Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Emami East Bengal FC.
Lalthathanga Khawlhring Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1829 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Assist | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 86% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.565 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.652 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.522 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.957 |
9. Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Mohammed Aimen
- Date of Birth-Â 20.01.2003
- Place of Birth-Â Kerala
- Foot-Â Right
- Positions- RM, LM, LW
The development of several gifted young Indian midfielders was noticeable during the 2023–24 Indian Super League season. Among them, Mohammed Aimen of Kerala Blasters FC rose to prominence and became a vital member of the Manjappada.
Aimen, a naturally cunning winger, demonstrated his technical prowess and strategic acumen by confidently transitioning into a central role. Opposing defences had no way of containing him, thanks to his accurate crosses and ability to move through tight spaces.
This 21-year-old influence was felt well beyond the scoreboard despite his scanty total of one goal and one assist. As Aimen matured into a dependable box-to-box player, the Kerala Blasters midfield gained much-needed confidence.
His relentless work ethic guaranteed an impact on defence, though his creativity in the final third often created scoring opportunities. In pivotal matches against Hyderabad FC, North-East United FC and Odisha FC, Aimen displayed his extraordinary skill and talent.
Mohammed Aimen Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1134 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 74% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 1.190 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.714 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.095 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.286 |
8. Boris Singh (FC Goa)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Boris Singh Thangjam
- Date of Birth-Â 03.01.2000
- Place of Birth- Imphal, ManipurÂ
- Foot- Right
- Positions- RM, RB, RW
Former ISL Shield winner player of Jamshedpur FC, Boris Singh Thangjam, joined FC Goa in June 2023. This versatile player had a great season in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the 2023–24 season. As one of the league’s most reliable players, the 24-year-old midfielder has been one of the vital midfielders of the Goan team.
Boris’s technical skills and strong work ethic have helped Gaurs with the counter-attack strategies. His adaptability enables him to move fluidly between a wide position and a box-to-box role, giving the team’s midfield much-needed balance.
Throughout the season, he scored vital goals and displayed his poise under duress. Not everyone has overlooked Boris’s performances. He has cemented himself as one of the great Indian midfielders. In the Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC match, he scored great goals.
Boris Singh Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1387 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assist | Nil |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 81% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.72 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.8 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.28 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.24 |
7. Deepak Tangri (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Deepak Tangri
- Date of Birth-Â 01.02.1999
- Place of Birth- Chandigarh, PunjabÂ
- Foot- Right
- Positions- DM, CB
Not every midfield player can deliver creative passes with accuracy or score a goal outside the penalty box from a curling shoot. Deepak Tangri is something different in the middle of the park. He has the quality to cut attacks and no-nonsense clearance.
For the Mariners, he is a vital cog in the midfield. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder has been a stalwart in the centre of the field, showcasing his skills as one of the most underappreciated Indian midfielders in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Tangri’s influence extends far beyond just tackling and interceptions. In the 3-5-1 system, he mostly played as a sweeper and challenged the attackers at first.
Sometimes, he went up to the opponent’s box in the set piece movement to score goals. His ability to break opposition attacks and initiate his team’s forays forward makes him a complete midfield package.
In the vital matches, he proved himself one of the best Indian midfielders in ISL. He asserted his dominance on the field during the playoffs against Odisha and the group league matches of Kerala Blasters FC and North-East United FC.
Deepak Tangri Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 990 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assist | Nil |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 86% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.222 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.167 |
| Clearances/Match | 1.167 |
| Interceptions/Match | 1.278 |
6. Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Vibin Mohanan
- Date of Birth-Â 06.02.2003
- Place of Birth- Thrissur, KeralaÂ
- Foot- Right
- Positions- DM, CM
During the 2023–24 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Kerala-born young midfielder Vibin Mohanan has caught the attention. The 21-year-old, who came through the Kerala Blasters youth academy, is quickly making a name for himself in the league as one of the most exciting Indian midfielders.
Mohanan primarily operates in the central midfield, showcasing technical prowess and tactical intelligence. He can dictate the game’s pace, unlock defences with a pinpoint through balls, and exhibit a keen passing range. His exceptional skills in dribbling enable him to navigate the ball expertly through challenging areas and narrow gaps.
His ability to anticipate plays and stay aware of his positioning empowers him to effectively intercept the other team’s attacks and take control of the game.
It has been astounding to witness Mohanan’s poise in pivotal moments. Mohanan played exceptionally well against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha FC and Hyderabad FC. The achievements prove the level of talent emerging from the Indian youth development system.
Vibin Mohanan Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1422 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Assist | Nil |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 85% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.737 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.684 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.421 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.737 |
5. Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Anirudh Thapa
- Date of Birth-Â 15.01.1998
- Place of Birth- Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Foot- Right
- Positions- DM, CM
Thapa’s influence transcended mere statistics as he participated in 23 games and spent over 1400 minutes on the field. He carved out space in the attacking third with his incisive passes and electrifying runs. Thapa’s renowned long-ball ability posed a constant threat to opposing teams.
On the field, Anirudh Thapa is the dynamic midfielder who leads the midfield of the Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With a crucial part in the Mariners’ 2023–24 campaign, the Indian international cemented his status as one of the best Indian midfielders in ISL.
Defensively, he also sounded and tracked back quickly and created a shield to stop attacking movements. His interceptions and blocking helped the backline to settle down. Although Thapa’s main strength isn’t scoring goals, his two significant goals this season showed he can rise to the occasion.
His first goal of the season against Hyderabad FC in February set the tone for a resounding victory, and his goal against Bengaluru FC further solidified his big-match disposition. Beyond his technical abilities, Thapa is a strong leader.
Anirudh Thapa Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1492 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assist | Nil |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 80% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.087 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.826 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.391 |
| Interceptions/Match | 1.130 |
4. Mohammad Yasir (FC Goa)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Mohammed Yasir
- Date of Birth-Â 14.04.1998
- Place of Birth- Imphal, Manipur
- Foot-Â Left
- Positions- RM, AM, RW
In the 2023-24 season, Yasir most of the time playing for Hyderabad FC. He was the bright star player of the team, and his team was at the bottom of the table. In March 2024, he joined FC Goa under his former coach, Manuel Manolo Márquez Roca.
He changed his team but did not leave his form. He lit the flame in the Gaurs’ midfield this time around. Adding him to the team balanced and strengthened it. Yasir’s skill set seamlessly combines creativity and perseverance.
He showed off his superb passing ability with five assists. With inch-perfect passes, his vision gets past defences and finds teammates. But Yasir is also not afraid to get his hands filthy.
His work rate and tackling assist FC Goa in keeping shape, which is one of his defensive contributions. With three goals in 22 ISL games, Yasir proved his ability to score goals. Notably, he scored his final goal in a vital 1-1 draw with Mumbai City, indicating his calm under pressure. Yasir’s performances cemented his status as one of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL, even though FC Goa eventually failed to win the ISL trophy.
He’s emerged as a crucial player for FC Goa in the upcoming season, demonstrating proficiency in creating and seizing opportunities as he elevates his performance.
Mohammad Yasir Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1470 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 74% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.727 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.818 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.182 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.273 |
3. Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Brandon Fernandes
- Date of Birth-Â 20.09.1994
- Place of Birth- Margao, Goa
- Foot-Â Right
- Positions- AM, RM, LM
Few Indian attacking midfielders have a quality like him. Brandon Fernandes did not let them down the Gaurs with his talents. For Gaurs, Brandon scored a bucket of goals and provided some assists. In the middle of the pitch, he is a creative playmaker and one of the best Indian midfielders in the ISL.
Throughout the season, his accurate set-piece deliveries and both-footed long shots ability created danger in the opponent’s defences. He was more than just a supplier, though, lending support when needed, particularly under duress. Fans will never forget his thunderous strike against Chennaiyin FC in the playoff.
Fernandes possessed exceptional passing skills and a remarkable ability to deliver the game-winning pass at the perfect moment. It will be difficult for FC Goa to fill the void left by Fernandes’ departure.
It will be challenging for management to find a replacement for a player of his calibre, someone who can make a difference in the game with their leadership and skill. But his ISL exploits have solidified his status as one of the best midfielders in India, setting higher standards for his future aspirations.
Brandon Fernandes Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1584 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 78% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.75 |
| Key Passes/Match | 2.8 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.1 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.15 |
2. Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Sahal Abdul Samad
- Date of Birth-Â 01.04.1997
- Place of Birth- Al-Ain, UAE
- Foot- Right
- Positions- AM, CM, LM
In the 2023-24 season, Sahal Abdul Samad signed for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a five-year deal from Kerala Blasters FC. From the start of the season, he showed his skills with his feet and became easily a fan favourite. Many stars have emerged in the 2023–24 Indian Super League (ISL), but few have had as much impact as Sahal Abdul Samad.
He is a versatile midfielder with high ball-controlling skills and passing ability. The inclusion of Sahal gave more depth to the midfield of the park. Though his three assists in the first three games helped Mohun Bagan climb to the top of the table, his playmaking and vision have stood out.
He establishes the game’s tempo, smoothly cutting through defences and setting up scoring opportunities with deft passes. That’s what Samad does for Mohun Bagan. When Samad came off the bench to steal the victory and send his team to the finals against Odisha FC in the ISL semifinal second-leg match, you might recall the stoppage-time winner.
That was pure Samad magic. This clutch performance proves his poise under pressure, showing a characteristic that sets the exceptional apart from the ordinary. He proved himself one of the best Indian midfielders in ISL.
Sahal Abdul Samad Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1043 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 77% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 1.467 |
| Key Passes/Match | 1 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.067 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.4 |
1. Lalengmawia Ralte (Mumbai City FC)
Player Profile
- Full Name-Â Lalengmawia Ralte
- Date of Birth-Â 17.10.2000
- Place of Birth- Aizawl, MizoramÂ
- Foot-Â Right
- Positions- CM, DM, AM
Finally, the top-rank holder, Lalengmawia Ralte, is known as Apuia. In the last few years, he has dominated this race. From the Des Buckingham era to the Petr Kratky era, Apuia consistently performed and won all vital trophies for Mumbai City FC. Although Mumbai City fell short of winning the ISL league shield, Apuia’s contributions were crucial to winning the ISL Cup.
A tireless box-to-box midfielder stretched across the pitch. Apuia operated as the engine of the Islanders’ attack, initiating long balls, crisp passing, playmaking ability and driving forward with surging runs. Defensively, winning the second ball and positional awareness were crucial in disrupting opposition attacks.
Apuia’s impact wasn’t limited to the stat sheet, though his three goals and two assists were valuable contributions. His leadership on the field was evident, and his composure was a calming influence during high-pressure situations.
Big games brought out the best in Apuia. Recall his dominant performance against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC and Emami East Bengal FC, where his defence-splitting pass and perfect positions unlocked the defence for a crucial goal.
While Apuia has now moved on to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, his performances for Mumbai City leave a lasting impression. He is a shining example of the growing talent pool of Indian midfielders. He proved himself to be one of the best Indian midfielders in ISL right now.
Lalengmawia Ralte Statistics of (23-24)
| Metrics | Results |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1861 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 85% |
| Successful Dribbles/Match | 0.182 |
| Key Passes/Match | 0.682 |
| Clearances/Match | 0.773 |
| Interceptions/Match | 0.864 |
Last Words
The Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed the rise of numerous talented midfielders who have significantly contributed to their respective teams. This in-depth analysis highlighted the best Indian midfielders in ISL, each bringing unique skills and playing styles that have enriched the league.
Looking ahead, the future of Indian midfielders in ISL appears promising. The continuous investment in youth development programs and academies will likely produce more technically proficient and tactically astute players.
Furthermore, the exposure to international standards and the opportunity to play alongside seasoned foreign professionals will continue to enhance the skill sets of Indian footballers.
They are not just players but primary creators of the game, driving the league’s growth and inspiring the next generation of footballers.
If you have any suggestions, want to give advice, or discuss the subject, please comment below! Please do not hesitate to contact us or keep reading and following SportsDribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
