Top 10 Best Indian Midfielders in the ISL 2024-25 with Stats

Who is the best Indian midfielder?

The rankings of Indian football have declined in recent times. But there are still some talented Indian midfielders who are shining; that’s why we have some of the best midfielders in the ISL (Indian Super League).

In modern football, a robust midfield performance frequently decides the outcome of a game. All midfielders work in various areas of the field, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Generally, there are five midfield positions, like CDM, CM, CAM, LM, and RM.

Every position has different duties. For example, the CDM stops the opponent’s attacks and starts new ones. The CM and CAM usually control the midfield. They connect with the RM and LM using short, accurate passes. They also play a creative role by delivering through balls to the forwards while keeping possession.

From Apuia’s dominance to Brison Fernandes’ breakout season, we rank the top 10 midfield maestros based on stats, trophies, and national team impact, plus surprise omissions!

Ranking Criteria

We used the following to determine player rankings:

• At first, we consider 1200 minutes of gameplay.
• We define a player’s current form by how they have played recently.
• Their level of influence on team performance.
• Trophy won in the 2024-25 Season.
• Importance to the National Team.

So, look at our top 10 Indian midfielders to watch in the ISL 2024-25 season, including some emerging talents.

The List of Top 10 Best Indian Midfielders in the ISL 2024-25

Notable Omissions

Some familiar faces, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad, are missing from this list. While they’ve been key figures in past ISL seasons and for the national team, our ranking is based strictly on the 2024–25 season, taking into account playing minutes, recent form, influence, and consistency. Unfortunately, all players have struggled with either performance dips or limited minutes this year.

Midfielders to Watch (or Regain Form)

These players didn’t make the Top 10 this season, but they still have the talent to bounce back:

• Anirudh Thapa – For MBSG, a former international has suffered an injury concern this year. However, in limited game time, he has already assisted in three valuable goals. Hope he will bounce back more strongly next year.
• Jeakson Singh – A former midfield general for EBFC and India, Jeakson hasn’t hit top gear this season. But his defensive awareness and passing range remain strong assets.
• Sahal Abdul Samad – Known for his footwork and flair, Sahal hasn’t been as impactful this season for Mohun Bagan. If he finds a rhythm, he could easily return to the top tier.

10. PV Vishnu

• Full Name: Vishnu Puthiya Valappill
• Date of Birth: Dec 24, 2001
• Place of Birth: Kerala
• Positions Played: LM, RM
• Preferred Foot: Left

East Bengal spell aside, Vishnu has been playing at a different level from his teammates for the last two years. Early in the year, he’s been evolving in his playing style. However, the versatile midfielder played for the U-23 national team in friendlies, but he is still hoping to earn his first senior international appearance.

As the emerging player of the month in December 2024, Oscar utilized one of the best midfielders in the ISL as a key player in the counterattack. We saw him as an impact sub many times, especially against Punjab FC.

His equalizer was a phenomenon. His attacking flair and his ability to track back, which assisted the full-backs, demonstrated his defensive qualities in addition to his offensive skills. With 4 goals and 3 assists, Vishnu ended his season and won the heart of the Red & Gold Brigade.

9. Isak Vanlalruatfela

• Full Name: Isak Vanlalruatfela
• Date of Birth: Mar 19, 2001
• Place of Birth: Mizoram
• Positions Played: LM, RM
• Preferred Foot: Right

A regular starter for Odisha FC, the Mizoram boy to watch as a left midfielder is eye-soothing. Over the last two years in the ISL, he was a consistent performer for the Juggernauts. We see him scoring 3 goals and 4 assists this year as well.

Against NorthEast FC, Isak scored in the dying moments and saved the Juggernauts from a home defeat. While he typically plays an inverted role on the left side, Isak is also more than capable of staying close to the touchline and successfully beating his defender on the outside.

Nevertheless, Isak is one of the best midfielders in the ISL, and he can create a threat to the opponents’ final third. Under Lobera, he develops significantly, and shortly, we are looking for his international debut.

8. Mahesh Singh

• Full Name: Naorem Mahesh Singh
• Date of Birth: Mar 3, 1999
• Place of Birth: Manipur
• Positions Played: LM, CAM, RM
• Preferred Foot: Left

Mahesh is one of the most technically sound Indian midfielders. Being an LM, he first burst on the scene in the 2022-23 ISL season. As a reward, he made his debut for the national team.

Under Carlos Cuadrat and Oscar Bruzon, he dictates the game tempo as a CAM in several ISL matches. He plays a key role in the attack, scoring 2 goals and providing an assist in 20 ISL matches. His accurate crosses and creative passes lead to scoring opportunities, averaging 2.38 key passes per 90 minutes.

With his passing, crossing, and dribbling, he entertains us. With 3 goals in 24 matches for the national team, he proves his caliber. Without a trophy, Mahesh and Vishnu were gems for the Red and Gold Brigade.

7. Brandon Fernandes

• Full Name: Brandon Fernandes
• Date of Birth: Sep 20, 1994
• Place of Birth: Goa
• Positions Played: AM, LM, RM
• Preferred Foot: Right

If you think about who the best Indian playmaker is?

Brandon Fernandes is the best Indian playmaker, famous for his free-kicks and assists.

This senior team experienced campaigner is the only one, after Sahal Abdul Samad, who can play effectively in CAM, RM, and LM. His impact on the national team is undeniable.

It’s difficult to recall his last poor campaign, but it’s clear that the ISL 2024-25 season has been his worst yet. Despite the worst season, his assists against East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC had a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

We all know him for his creative play and technical abilities. Even Brandon shines with visionary passing, deadly set-pieces, and clever movement. With his creativity, he unlocks defenses and boosts possession-based systems with his playmaking brilliance and goal threat.

6. Ayush Chhetri

• Full Name: Ayush Dev Chhetri
• Date of Birth: Apr 16, 2003
• Place of Birth: Aizawl, Mizoram
• Positions Played: CM, DM
• Preferred Foot: Right

Ayush Chhetri had a magical 2024-25 season under Manolo Roca in FC Goa. From his senior international debut to winning the Super Cup, it was his best season so far. He scored his first goal this season in the ISL with a fine curling shot against Jamshedpur.

Under Manolo, he has become an essential part of the Gaurs’ midfield and has also performed decently with the Indian national team in recent matches.

Playing with players like Carl McHugh and Borja Herrera can be tough. He has not only kept up with them but often outshone them with his strong performances, which is impressive. Every day, he grows as a central midfielder.

The next step involves securing his spot on the national team and aiming for major trophies, such as the ISL Cup, which may occur soon.

ISL Player Comparison Table 2024-25

5. Macarton Nickson

• Full Name: Macarton Louis Nickson
• Date of Birth: Mar 19, 2004
• Place of Birth: Karnataka
• Positions Played: CDM, AM
• Preferred Foot: Right

There’s no doubt about the potential of one of the emerging Indian midfielders, Macarton Nickson. With his destructive approach and attacking flair, he gives solidity in the Highlanders’ midfield like a midfield general.

For winning the Durand Cup 2024, Nickson was the silent man. Came up from the bench in the second half and controlled the tempo of the game. He gives solidly in the middle of the park throughout the season.

That’s why the NorthEast was looking strong in the ISL 2024-25. His season highlights include scoring his first ISL goal and contributing to a convincing 3-0 away win against Mumbai City.

His consistent form earned him his first senior India national team call-up for an AFC Asian Cup qualifier in March 2025, and he also played for the U-23 national team.

At just 21 years old, Nickson has already displayed the potential to become a significant character in Indian football. He shows a bright future for NorthEast United and the Indian national team. Has the potential to become one of the best Indian midfielders.

4. Suresh Singh

• Full Name: Suresh Singh Wangjam
• Date of Birth: Aug 07, 2000
• Place of Birth: Manipur
• Positions Played: CM, CDM
• Preferred Foot: Right

A versatile and box-to-box midfielder, Suresh Singh has established himself among the best midfielders in the ISL, especially following his recent performances for Bengaluru FC.

As we expected, we called him the workhorse, who had been one of the top Indian midfielders in the Indian Super League for the last four years. His high stamina and strong work ethic help the Blues most of the time. He also has accurate passing skills; these qualities make him very difficult for defenders and midfielders to handle.

Let’s jump to his attacking role, where his crucial opener for Bengaluru FC against Mumbai City FC in the ISL Playoffs proved his versatility once again.

Already capped 31 times for the senior national team and has participated in all the age-level tournaments for the national team, Suresh has fixed his spot. Now, he is looking for trophies; last he tasted it in the 2022 Durand Cup.

3. Liston Colaco

• Full Name: Liston Colaco
• Date of Birth: Nov 12, 1998
• Place of Birth: Goa
• Positions Played: LM, RM
• Preferred Foot: Right

We’re now focusing on the top three midfield players. Suppose you are looking in the 21st century for a left midfielder who is left-footed and whose prime role is to cross balls for tall strikers. You are still in the 90s; this strategy is outdated. Now, left midfielders are inverted, having plenty of dribbling skills with quick feet. So our next superstar, Liston, is one of them.

In the past two years, he has been in exceptional form, winning three major trophies for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. At Yuba Bharati, his volley against Bengaluru FC strengthened MBSG’s position in the ISL 2024-25 league table, despite being against the run of play and his stunner against Jamshedpur FC was one of the best goals of his career.

As a senior campaigner, he has played 31 games for the national team. However, he has not delivered as expected on the national team. So, he is trying to fix that.

2. Brison Fernandes

• Full Name: Brison Deuben Fernandes
• Date of Birth: Apr 17, 2001
• Place of Birth: Goa
• Positions Played: LM, CM
• Preferred Foot: Right

Next is our dark horse, Brison Fernandes, who had a standout 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, emerging as one of the best midfielders in ISL. He won the Emerging Player award and scored seven goals, becoming FC Goa’s joint second-highest scorer. His back-to-back braces made him the first Indian to achieve this feat.

Beyond goals, Fernandes proved himself among the best Indian midfielders, recording two assists, creating 27 chances, and winning 74 duels. His efforts helped FC Goa finish second in the league and win the Kalinga Super Cup, securing a spot in the AFC Champions League 2.

His form earned him a national team debut against Bangladesh, cementing his rise as one of India’s top Indian midfielders. Coach Manolo Marquez praised his intelligence, skill, and fearless play, marking him as a future star.

1. Lalengmawia Ralte

• Full Name: Lalengmawia Ralte
• Date of Birth: Oct 17, 2000
• Place of Birth: Mizoram
• Positions Played: CDM, CM
• Preferred Foot: Right

The wait is over! Get your answer to who is the best Indian midfielder in the ISL 2024-25?

Lalengmawia Ralte, also known as Apuia, is currently the top Indian midfielder, playing for Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The Indian international would sit at the base of the midfield as a no. 6, securing and sweeping up play. Apuia Ralte then proved why he’s among the best midfielders in ISL during Mohun Bagan’s 2024-25 campaign.

Few Indian midfielders have ever been as consistently creative and injury-free as Apuia. As the team’s midfield engine, his calmness and vision were key to their historic League Shield and ISL Cup double.

That last-minute semi-final winner against Jamshedpur FC showed why he is a clutch performer, cementing his status as the best Indian midfielder right now. Week after week, he delivered, earning his spot as a national team stalwart. Among Indian midfielders, Apuia stands tall, blending grit with game-changing flair.

Last Words

Once, footballer Rodri said,” In midfield, you are everywhere, you are part of everything.” That’s a huge statement. You can see from the players’ heat map how well these quotes complement each other.

The top ten Indian midfielders in ISL 2024-25 are proving their influence on the league. These are the best midfielders in ISL who combine creativity, grit, and tactical intelligence to control games. From Apuia’s commanding presence to Brison Fernandes’ explosive rise, each player brings unique strengths.

The best Indian midfielder debate will rage on, but one thing is clear: Indian football’s future rests on these talents, especially the underrated star like Macarton Nickson. Their vision, work rate, and clutch performances make them indispensable for club and country.

As the ISL grows, these Indian midfielders will shape its legacy. Watch them closely—they are redefining Indian football, one match at a time. The 2024-25 season is theirs.

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Krishanu

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.

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