Three players to watchout in ISL 2024-25 knockouts

A list of three key players who can be the star turn in the playoffs this season.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League playoffs are set to begin with the clash between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC. The Sree Kanteerava Stadium will play host to the first ISL knockout clash, with the former champions pitting heads to keep their trophy dreams alive.

While the game is expected to be a pretty feisty clash between two evenly matched teams, the other game will see NorthEast United FC face Jamshedpur FC in Shillong. Even though the Highlanders finished over the Red Miners in the table, they finished level on points with goal difference being the only separating category.

With each game gaining an increased amount of importance, the stakes have never been higher for all the players involved in the playoffs. Only the team whose players are at their ruthless best will prevail and stand an opportunity to win the ISL title.

With that being said, let us look at the three players to look for in the upcoming ISL playoffs:

3. Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Ryan Williams proved to be a breath of fresh air for the Bengaluru FC attacking line in the league phase. The 31-year-old came up as a clutch player for them in many key games, helping them get games over the line with his vital contributions. Williams had 10 goal contributions (six goals, four assists) in 18 games in the league phase. He is quite a versatile attacking asset, but has excelled in that right-wing role for Bengaluru FC.

Williams is blessed with his decent pace and the IQ to get past defenders with his smart movement in the opposition area. More importantly, he can often get into the danger areas in the final third and nail his final product, helping create big chances with his accurate passes. That is exactly what he’ll try to replicate against Mumbai City, aiming to get behind their backline and torment their defenders with his unpredictable forward runs.

More importantly, Williams needs be to be smart with the kind of passes he puts into the middle to ensure maximum efficiency. He’ll also try to get at the end of chances and put them away clinically to give his side an edge in this clash.

2. Nikolaos Karelis (Mumbai City FC)

Despite going through some inconsistent spells in his debut season for the Islanders, Nikolas Karelis arguably remains Mumbai City’s biggest goal threat. The 33-year-old forward scored 10 goals in 18 appearances in the league phase, managing that with only 22 shots on target as well.

The Greek forward can excel in using his physical prowess to bully the defenders and link-up smartly with his teammates, which he’ll aim against the Blues. Karelis can also win the aerial and ground duels in the opposition half and needs to be clever in outsmarting the Bengaluru FC defenders in this clash.

He managed a goal and assist in the recent win at the Sree Kanteerava and aims to replicate that in this crucial knockout clash too. To do so, however, Karelis needs to be at his unpredictable best for Mumbai City, which includes nailing his runs and positioning around the final third to get at the end of chances.

1. Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The NorthEast United FC’s remarkable journey to their latest ISL playoffs appearance has been fueled by the amazing performances of striker Alaeddine Ajaraie. The Moroccan striker has played a crucial role in helping them attain a fourth-placed finish under head coach Juan Pedro Benali.

Ajaraie’s keen eye for goal and bullish play helped him score 24 goals and provide seven assists in 23 games. His contributions also meant he set a new league record, scoring the most goals in a single ISL campaign.

With a mix of experienced players and young talents, Ajaraie’s influence has been key in building a devastating attacking unit. As NorthEast United FC prepares for their knockout game against Jamshedpur, Ajaraie could prove to be the difference between the two sides on the night.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.