ISL 2024-25: Jithin MS, Irfan Yadwad symbolise growth of Indian attackers in advanced roles

The rise of young Indian attackers can be one of the defining stories of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. While Alaaeddine Ajaraie leads the goal-scoring charts with 15 strikes and Connor Shields spearheads the assists list with eight of them, there are a host of domestic playmakers who have been important to their team’s successes. Along with Shields, Wilmar Jordan Gil has been stellar for Chennaiyin FC in the frontline, netting eight of their 23 goals so far.
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Mumbai, January 28: The rise of young Indian attackers can be one of the defining stories of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. While Alaaeddine Ajaraie leads the goal-scoring charts with 15 strikes and Connor Shields spearheads the assists list with eight of them, there are a host of domestic playmakers who have been important to their team’s successes. Along with Shields, Wilmar Jordan Gil has been stellar for Chennaiyin FC in the frontline, netting eight of their 23 goals so far.

The duo of Jithin MS and Irfan Yadwad might not boast of the supreme numbers by their international counterparts, but their value to their respective sides has been terrific thus far. Irfan, with three goals and two assists in 18 games, and Jithin five assists as well as a goal over 17 games, have played in roles demanding both creativity in the attacking third and defensive discipline. The assists numbers show their ability to make chances happen for their teammates in the final third, with Jithin having set up the joint second-most goals in the ISL 2024-25. Both these players earned their maiden national team call-ups and debuted for the Blue Tigers on the back of their performances in this ISL season.

Impressive attacking and creative numbers

Jithin’s 30 produced goal-scoring opportunities, are partly similar to Ajaraie’s 31, and it stresses his ability to make an impact despite fewer touches in the final third (54 vs 114). Irfan’s 14 chances created further illustrate his dual role. One of the important statistics that highlights these players’ contributions is their work inside the opposition penalty box. Irfan averages 3 touches in the box per game, and Jithin matches him closely at 3.17. While these numbers may be dwarfed by Ajaraie’s 6.7, they reflect their involvement in advanced areas, often providing the final ball or drawing defenders away to create space for others.

Also read about other young Indian players proving their mettle in ISL:

https://www.indiansuperleague.com/interviews/macarton-nickson-interview-team-unity-is-northeast-united-fcs-biggest-strength
https://www.indiansuperleague.com/interviews/nikhil-prabhu-interview-added-responsibilities-have-made-me-a-better-player

Their defensive contributions cannot be ignored either. Both players have been central in transitional play, with Jithin completing 17 successful dribbles. Irfan’s 16 successful dribbles highlight his willingness to take on defenders, often relieving pressure on his team and advancing the ball into dangerous areas.

“He’s been threatening since day one and I’ve seen something in him, so I have persevered with him, tried to bring him on, encourage him and try to develop him. And he’s worked ever so hard for the team. Even when he has not scored, he has done a tremendous job for the team. And we see that in the game,” Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle acknowledged about the role that Irfan plays for the Marina Machans.

On the other hand, Jithin credited Juan Pedro Benali for putting faith in him and helping him improve his game, stating, “From the first day, he has been incredibly supportive. He believes in sitting down one-on-one and analysing where I can improve, which has helped me fix a few of my mistakes. Working under him has been a continuous learning process — his insights on tactics, positioning, and decision-making have been invaluable. I’m still striving to learn and get better under his mentorship.”

Both Juan Pedro Benali and Owen Coyle have relied tremendously on Jithin and Irfan respectively to make play happen near the opposition’s box, while also encouraging them to track back and join the defensive endeavours when the situation demands. The two players have been workhorses in their respective fields, setting the stage for their prolific strikers to capitalise upon and convert the chances being created.

The duo’s consistent performances this season serve as true inspiration for the upcoming young Indian attackers in the ISL, thriving to make it big in the coming years.

The Indian Super League will be streamed live on JioCinema (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Sports 18 – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam). Additionally, select ISL matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 – 1, Sports 18 – 2, Sports 18 – Khel, and Star Sports 3.

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