I-League 2023-24: Indian players with most goal contributions

Several Indian stalwarts made a name for themselves in I-League 2023-24.

The I-League has always been a grand stage for the young and emerging footballers across India, to shine at the centre stage and gain recognition. Over the years, most Indian football greats have fiddled in the I-League at some point in their career. 

With the competition becoming the second tier of Indian football from last season, the I-League continues to be a junction that nurtures the future of Indian football and opens up new avenues for talents. With the introduction of promotion and relegation in the I-League, the competitive edge of the league has been enhanced tenfold.

The 2023-24 I-League season was also a display of top footballing action, that lasted six months, eventually seeing Mohammedan Sporting Club win the competition and get promoted. 

Throughout the league phase, several Indian players were pretty impactful for their respective sides and made a difference in the offensive half of the field. 

Consequently, we take a look at the Indian players, who had the most goal contribution in the league this season.

10. Jeremy Laldinpuia – 7

23-year-old Jeremy Laldinpuia had quite an illustrious campaign with Real Kashmir, as the midfielder got three goals and four assists to his name. Jeremy’s dynamic gameplay, combined with his ability to dictate the game from the centre of the park, enabled him to unlock defences on key occasions. 

9. Robinson Singh – 7

TRAU FC had a season to forget, as they finished last on the points table, and were relegated from the I-League. Amid all this scrutiny, however, rose a gem for the Red Pythons, in the form of Robinson Singh. The attacker, who was looked upon by the club for the entire last season, proved his menace as soon as he was trusted by the coach and got six goal contributions in his first 10 games. His versatility also enabled him to play in defensive positions when required. 

8. Gyamar Nikum – 8

Inter Kashi’s trust on handing over the midfield duties to 19-year-old Gyamar Nikum, certainly reaped dividends for the newly incepted club. Nikum, who emerged through the ranks of Sudeva Delhi, stole the show throughout the season, as Inter Kashi finished fourth in the league. Nikum had four goals and four assists to his name, and his glamorous style of play certainly drew a lot of attention. 

7. Phrangki Buam – 9

Local lad Phrangki Buam was amongst the most lethal Indian attackers in the league this season, and if it had not been for his mid-season injury, the 23-year-old would’ve been placed much higher on the list. Buam had a total of six goals and three assists to his name, including a brace against Sreenidhi Deccan. 

6. Lalremsanga – 9

Lalremsanga was a key factor in Mohammedan’s attacking contingent, and combined exceptionally well with the midfield, to bear fruits for his side. Sanga had a consistent display throughout the campaign, as he scored five and assisted four goals. Also, his ability to play effectively in either wing made him a difficult prospect to handle for any back line. 

5. Lalchungnunga Chhangte – 10

23-year-old Chhnagte had quite a breakthrough season with Rajasthan United, as the attacker was greatly impactful in a rather dull season for the Desert Warriors. Chhangte started his spree right from the start of the season, and scored a total of five goals, whilst providing five assists as well. The youngster also captained his side in crucial ties against Sreenidhi Deccan and Inter Kashi.

4. Lalromawia – 10

The 2023-24 season was another heartbreak for Lalromawia, as his side once again missed out on a promotion spot by just a few points. Despite his best efforts, wherein the midfielder scored six goals and assisted four, Sreenidhi missed out on the title by only four points. Despite being trusted for handling the defensive duties in the midfield, Lalromawia came up with some attacking masterclass at times, depicting his all-around abilities. 

3. Edmund Lalrindika – 12

Having previously been a part of major Indian clubs like Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC, Lalrindika lived up to his expectations, by playing out a fine season with Inter Kashi. The attacking midfielder was exceptional with his services to the attackers, as he registered eight assists. Edmund also scored four goals and played a major role in Inter Kashi’s first competitive season.

2. Noufal PN – 13

Gokulam’s Noufal PN scored five goals and assisted eight, to take up his tally to 13 goal contributions. The left midfielder has only one objective, no matter the opposition on the pitch, he forgets everything and has just one thing on his mind — run with the ball and pick out a teammate in the box. This quality is attributed to his impressive stats, and the 23-year-old is a player to watch out for in the coming years. 

1. Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia – 18

Number one on the list is the player who destroyed the I-League with his exceptional play and goalscoring, often putting up a one-man army show. With 15 goals in the I-League, Lalbiaknia became the highest Indian goalscorer in a single season, breaking the previous joint record of Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi. 

His performances have been so impressive throughout the season, that people have already started seeing him as the answer to India’s goalscoring problems, despite never having played for ever the youth levels of the national team. 

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