Punjab FC’s ISL 2024/25 Season Review: A Thunderous Start Ends in Turmoil

Punjab FC’s 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign was a tale of two halves. The Shers began the season in electrifying fashion, even occupying a top-two spot alongside Bengaluru FC at one stage. However, as the season unfolded, they lost their rhythm, tumbled down the standings, and ultimately missed out on a playoff spot.

Despite the setback, Punjab FC took meaningful steps forward by successfully integrating academy players into the senior team, setting the stage for long-term growth. While their season ended in disappointment, they assembled a squad with the potential to compete for years. With an average age of 25 years and 216 days, Punjab FC fields the youngest squad in the league, marking the beginning of a bright future.

Flying Start Under Panagiotis Dilmperis

Under the leadership of Panagiotis Dilmperis, Punjab FC made an explosive start to their campaign, securing three consecutive victories. A statement win against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi, sealed by Filip Mrzljak’s late strike, set the tone for a team with lofty ambitions.

The Shers were prolific in attack, scoring 14 goals in their first eight matches with an expected goals (xG) tally of 12.4. They created 18 big chances and dropped just three points from winning positions during this period.

However, their momentum took a hit with back-to-back narrow defeats away to Bengaluru FC and FC Goa. Despite this setback, five wins in their first eight matches cemented Punjab FC’s strong start to the season.

Emerging Talent and Youth Development

Punjab FC has excelled in introducing fresh talent to the ISL, nurturing academy players, and providing them with crucial game time. Their commitment to youth development was evident, as their U23 players logged a league-high 7,522 minutes throughout the season.

Under the guidance of Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, young talents like Muheet Shabir, Pramveer Singh, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Muhammad Suhail F delivered standout performances in the 2024-25 campaign. The impact of Punjab FC’s young core was significant, with their U23 players contributing nine goals—an impressive 69.2% of the team’s total goal contributions from Indian players.

Mid-Season Slump and Playoff Heartbreak

Despite a flawless start, Punjab FC’s form took a sharp downturn from mid-season onward. Between December and March, they managed just three wins in 16 matches, collecting only 13 of a possible 48 points. Defensive frailties were a major concern, as they conceded 29 goals during this period—far exceeding their expected goals against (xGA) of 17.44.

Costly defeats to East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Jamshedpur FC in both legs, along with setbacks against Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, and Chennaiyin FC, severely dented their playoff ambitions. While victories over Hyderabad FC and a draw with Mohammedan Sporting Club provided brief moments of relief, Punjab FC ultimately fell short of securing a postseason berth in their second ISL campaign.

A key strength for the Shers was their attacking trio—Luka Majcen, Asmir Suljic, and Ezequiel Vidal—who followed in the footsteps of last season’s dynamic partnership of Majcen, Madih Talal, and Wilmar Jordan Gil. The Majcen-Suljic-Vidal trio contributed 31 goal involvements while creating 77 chances, but despite their offensive prowess, Punjab FC couldn’t turn their attacking dominance into a playoff spot.

Here is the statistical breakdown of Punjab FC’s forward trios from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons:

This table presents a clear comparison of the performances of Punjab FC’s attacking trios across the two seasons.

Luka Majcen: Punjab FC’s Standout Performer

Luka Majcen once again spearheaded Punjab FC’s attack, showcasing his trademark goal-scoring consistency and on-field leadership.

The seasoned striker found the net 10 times this season while providing three assists. As the team’s captain, he maintained an impressive 28.57% goal conversion rate and averaged 0.5 goals per game, reinforcing his crucial role in Punjab FC’s campaign.

Abhishek Singh: Punjab FC’s Rising Star

Abhishek Singh enjoyed a breakthrough season with Punjab FC, earning his first India call-up and making his international debut against Malaysia in a recent friendly.

The 20-year-old fullback impressed with his blistering pace, intelligent ball distribution, pinpoint crosses, and defensive awareness. A regular starter this season, Singh averaged 30 passes per game with a 77% accuracy rate, won 33 tackles and 86 duels, and completed 141 recoveries.

A product of Punjab FC’s academy, Singh’s consistency and potential make him a strong candidate for a top fullback role in the years ahead.

Key Areas for Punjab FC to Improve Next Season

Punjab FC made significant strides in player development this season, nurturing young talents who showcased their potential. However, under Dilmperis’ leadership, the team struggled with consistency—an issue they must address in the upcoming campaign. Adding experienced players, particularly Indian recruits, could bring much-needed stability.

Another pressing concern lies in the goalkeeping department. Neither Ravi Kumar nor Muheet Shabir provided the reliability required between the posts. To bolster their squad, Punjab FC should prioritize signing a seasoned goalkeeper to strengthen their defensive foundation.

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