The Indian Super League (ISL) has attempted to elevate young players’ performances by awarding the Emerging Player of the Season award each year. In 2014, Sandesh Jhingan became the first player to win it. Several players have won the prize since then, and their careers have benefited as a result.
With only four foreigners permitted in the playing XI for the ISL 2021-22 season, more young players are expected to gain opportunities. This increases the competition for the Emerging Player of the Season honor. The recent AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers demonstrated that India has a plethora of promising young players to look forward to.
The top ten players in the ISL 2021-22 season who could earn the Emerging Player of the Season award are listed below.
Amarjit Singh Kiyam: SC East Bengal
Amarjit Singh, who is on loan from FC Goa, is anticipated to see a lot of action against SC East Bengal. The 20-year-old might become the lynchpin in their midfield if he can progress under new coach Manolo Diaz. On the field, the former India U-17 captain is a true warrior, covering a lot of territories to annoy opponents.
Kiyam will need to stay consistent if the Red & Gold Brigade is to have a successful ISL 2021-22 season. The youngster’s outstanding tackling ability, deft delivery, and calm demeanour distinguish him as a rare midfield potential. At SC East Bengal, Kiyam might enjoy a breakout season. If he does, he may be in line for the Emerging Player of the Season title.
Akash Mishra: Hyderabad FC
In the 2020/21 ISL season, the Hyderabad FC left-back was a star player for the squad. Mishra’s bravery earned him a call-up to the national team, with Igor Stimac giving him a few chances. Last season, Akash Mishra, a fiery figure on the left, showed he’s a sharp defender by averaging 4 tackles, 2+ interceptions, and clearances per game.
By becoming a behemoth on the left side for the Nizams, he hopes to improve his defensive stats even further. Mishra may also firmly contend for this title if he can enhance his final product after making bursting forward runs and contributing more goals.
Ishan Pandita: Jamshedpur FC
Last season, Ishan Pandita earned a reputation as possibly the most influential substitute in the ISL. The 23-year-old came off the bench for FC Goa and scored four goals with a goal conversion rate of 40%. Since then, he’s gone to Jamshedpur FC in search of greater playing time.
The teenage striker has a well-built frame that will aid him in dealing with strong opponents. Jamshedpur’s attacking threat should be boosted by his deft off-the-ball movement, link-up play, and overall awareness. To increase his chances of winning the Emerging Player of the Season title, Pandita only needs to maintain his clinical nature and score goals regularly.
Liston Colaco: ATK Mohun Bagan
There will be high expectations for Liston Colaco this season after a stellar season with Hyderabad FC and a following big-money move to ATK Mohun Bagan. The youthful winger’s superb displays for ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup proved he’s ready to play for the Kolkata giants regularly. To succeed in the upcoming campaign, he must find his spark in Antonio Habas’ intricate system and enhance his decision-making.
Colaco is unquestionably talented with the ball, with his dribbling, pace, and confidence making him one of the league’s greatest young players. To frequently play for the Mariners and compete for this honour, Liston must be more ruthless in finishing chances or generating goals for teammates.
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem: FC Goa
Dheeraj Singh has yet to play a full ISL season in his career, despite his impressive skill. That is something that FC Goa can attain in the following season. The Gaurs will rely on the teenager to keep his defensive record spotless. Dheeraj is coming off a strong performance in the AFC U-23 qualifiers, where he kept a clean sheet and only allowed two goals in three games.
In the AFC Champions League, he was a standout for FC Goa, showing to be one of the best players in the competition. Dheeraj needs to keep his consistency in the ISL, making top saves regularly to help his team. With numerous clean sheets and Man of the Match performances under his belt, he is a strong contender for this honor.
Muhammed Nemil: FC Goa
FC Goa’s breakout performer in their Durand Cup 2021 victory was Muhammed Nemil. With his unorthodox approach, the 19-year-old plagued opponents and impressed coach Juan Ferrando. He scored four goals and added a couple of assists for the Gaurs, who went on to win the championship. Nemil is a promising young prospect for Indian football because of his deft movement, dribbling abilities, and precise final product.
After his heroics in the Durand Cup, he should have enough opportunities in the upcoming ISL 2021-22 season. Nemil should have a big influence because of how clinical he is in the final third and his excellent ingenuity in creating chances. If he can simply stay in shape and retain his cool in games, the young gun might end up with a lot of goals and be a real contender for this award.
Suresh Singh Wangjam: Bengaluru FC
Suresh Singh was one of Bengaluru FC’s bright spots throughout their disastrous ISL season last year. The 21-year-old midfielder appeared in almost every game, putting in long shifts in the middle of the field. Suresh only scored one goal, but he showed tremendous enthusiasm and a desire to annoy opponents.
Throughout the season, he averaged 4 tackles per game and a passing accuracy of 71.42 percent. Singh appears destined to be one of the Blues’ primary players next season after impressing in the SAFF Championship and AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers lately. Suresh’s chances of winning the ISL 2021-22 Emerging Player of the Season trophy would rise greatly if he can boost his scoring production and act as the Blues’ midfield general.
Mohammed Yasir: Hyderabad FC
Mohammed Yasir has cemented his place in the Indian national team after an excellent SAFF Championship 2021 performance. It’s now up to the 23-year-old to establish himself in the ISL. Last season, Yasir appeared in several games for Hyderabad FC, although he was unable to start all of them. In 18 games, he had two assists and created several chances with his deft passing. Yasir also contributed an assist for India in the SAFF Championship. His overall impact benefited the team’s style as well.
With his exceptional crossing ability, set-piece skill, and effective passing technique, the 23-year-old can assist Hyderabad to create more chances. Yasir might be one of the best-performing youngsters in the ISL next season if he can consistently provide assists and goals.
Vikram Partap Singh: Mumbai City FC
Vikram Partap Singh was signed as a future star for Mumbai City FC, but he may get his chance sooner than expected. The new foreigner reduction restriction in the ISL could help the former Indian Arrows star. Singh will be able to make more appearances and establish himself in the ISL as a result of the rule. In the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, he shone for India, proving to be a true firebrand upfront.
