Indian football: Players with most goal contributions in 2023-24 season

The 2023-24 Indian football season gave us some top-tier action packed moments from domestic stars.

Some individuals gain recognition for scoring goals, while others make a mark for creating. However, every once in a while, football teams hit the jackpot and end up with such players who bring the best of both worlds rolled into a single player. There are some players who possess both incredible goal-scoring skills as well as creative skills and these players are rare to find. They are the type of players a manager builds their team around.

ISL and I-League both have seen the emergence of truly unexpected talents as well resurgence of old horses who had been written of as either inconsistent or as one season wonders. Even though the complexities of these leagues means that it is hard to find consistency especially when foreign imports are preferred as attacking threats and creative outlets by a majority of teams, football is a game where a run of good games can give a major confidence boost and even spark a turnaround in fortunes.

Here are some Indian players who have not only scored goals but have also helped their team mates get onto the score sheet.

8. Lalchungnunga Chhangte – 5 Goals and 5 Assists

Rajasthan United have unearthed a diamond in the rough with the emergence of Chhangte in the I-League this season. Even though his end product and overall game still has a lot of scope of improvement, it is just a testament to the fact how high the ceiling is for him and how good his natural game is even as of now. With 5 goals and assists apiece, he would be happy with his current campaign but deep down also knows that he can do even better.   

7. Lalromawia – 7 Goals and 4 Assists

The Sreenidi Deccan midfielder had to suffer heartbreak as his team failed to cross the line of promotion once again this season. On an individual level, his season was a positive one as he scored six goals and provided four assists in the I-League and scored a goal in Super Cup as well. He is an all-action player who thrives both in attack as well as in defence. All round players who have an ability to contribute on the score sheet as well as the clean sheet are worth their weight in goal and hopefully promotion next time out.

6. Manvir Singh – 6 Goals and 10 Assists

Manvir Singh helped MBSG clinch the Durand cup as well as the ISL Shield. Along with that his general play has also been a treat to watch as his link up play, his defensive shift and the overall burst of energy, enthusiasm he brings to the team makes him one of the first names on the team sheet for any manager. The only blip in an otherwise picture perfect season for him was the loss to Mumbai City FC in the final.

5. Vikram Partap Singh – 10 Goals and 5 Assists

This season for Vikram Partap was one where he truly announced himself onto the big stage under the stewardship of Des Buckingham and Petr Kratky, where he slowly emerged into a mature player. He has started to deliver upon the immense potential he has been tipped to fulfill for so long. He is one of the bright sparks in attack for Mumbai City’s success in the ISL campaign. Despite facing some hurdles, he never gave up and was the best player for Mumbai alongside Lallianzuala Chhangte. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in the ISL to become the second-highest Indian goal-scorer.

4. Edmund Lalrindika – 7 Goals and 9 Assists

Inter Kashi in their debut season in the I-League was a huge hit and even though nobody expected them to be so good, they still ended up defying the odds. Edmund reflects that in the best possible way and this has been his best season ever at the senior level so far. Due to their strategic partnership with Athletico Madrid, he has got a chance to train with their Canadian affiliate Athletico Ottawa.

3. Noufal PN – 5 Goals and 8 Assists

Gokulam Kerela have one of the most reliable workhorses in Noufal and he has delivered yet another productive season. Even though he might not be in the fray for the national team or be playing at a higher level yet, this could soon be a reality. Gokulam could end losing a really important cog in the wheel with him being linked to current ISL Champions Mumbai City FC. 

2. Lallianzuala Chhangte – 11 Goals and 7 Assists

Lallianzuala Chhangte’s is a delight to watch and the best part to his game is when he runs down the wing with ball bursting past defenders through sheer pace and natural ability while leaving them to dust. He possess close ball control and can quickly change the direction and body orientation due to his low centre of gravity. He is a speed demon who loves to hug the touchline and is always eagerly waiting for a pass to then go one-on-one with the opposition full-back. As he has showcased in previous editions, he was exceptional this term too as he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the ISL. He was the top Indian goal-scorer. Even though he didn’t win the Golden Ball but his contribution to Mumbai’s success was very crucial.

1. Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia – 15 Goals and 3 Assists

15 goals and 3 assists in 20 outings for Aizwal Fc this season in I-League. He has broken the record of both Sunil Chettri and Rafi back in the day and has emerged as a surprise package this season. This season has truly placed him on the radar of bigger clubs and it would not be too long before he is snapped up by an ISL team and take his game to the next level at a bigger stage.  

Cover Credits - Goal.com