Chennaiyin FC's top three players in 2024

Fan favorite Connor Shields is arguably the best player at Chennaiyin FC right now.

Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC have had an inconsistent year. Owen Coyle’s side made it to the playoffs, losing to FC Goa and finishing sixth in the 2023-24 season.

Having started the 2024-25 season strongly, Chennaiyin FC have lost all traction in recent months. The Marina Machans are currently 9th in the ISL points table and could very easily miss out on the playoffs this time around.

Here are the top three players who have stood up and taken responsibility for Owen Coyle’s CFC in 2024:

3. Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad has been a revelation for Chennaiyin FC in his second season with the Marina Machans. While there were other prospects to make the top three, the Goan forward is without doubt the most improved player in Owen Coyle’s side.

Overall, Irfan Yadwad has played 22 ISL games in 2024 (as of December 21st, 2024), in which the 23-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists to his teammates. The forward was used as a substitute for most of the 2023-24 season. However, he has now become an important part of Chennaiyin FC’s starting XI.

Irfan has gotten better with every passing game and is possibly the most confident Indian player in the CFC squad at the moment. Owing to his significant improvement, the youngster was also called up to make his debut for the Indian national football team in November.

2. Ryan Edwards

Ryan Edwards was signed by Owen Coyle before the start of the 2023-24 ISL season. The Englishman was immediately given the captain’s armband and the centre-back has been the mainstay in Chennaiyin FC’s defence over the calendar year.

Under Edwards’ leadership, the Marina Machans reached their first playoff in four seasons after finishing sixth in the 2023-24 ISL season. However, Owen Coyle’s side fell to a 2-1 loss to FC Goa and ended another season without silverware.

On a personal note, the Chennaiyin FC captain has played 24 ISL games for the club in 2024, in which has also scored two goals. While the captain has been defensively good, the CFC backline has managed to keep only three clean sheets over the calendar and they would be looking to turn this around in 2025.

1. Connor Shields

Without a doubt, Connor Shields is the heartbeat of Chennaiyin Football Club at the moment. The versatile 27-year-old has been employed in the midfield by Owen Coyle and Connor has proven his worth time and time again.

Connor Shields played 22 ISL games in 2024 (as of December 21st, 2024), missing just two league games for CFC in the entire year. In terms of stats, the Scotsman scored one goal and has provided 6 assists to his teammates in these games.

Apart from helping his team in a creative aspect, Connor Shields’ work has made him ever so popular among the Chennaiyin FC faithful. The midfielder is a fixture in the starting XI and is highly rated by his manager as well.

Interestingly, the Marina Machans lost both the games that Connor Shields missed due to suspension and illness in 2024.

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