Top ten youngest assist providers in ISL history

A list of the youngest assist providers in a decade-long history of the league.

Since its inception in 2014, the Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently provided promising young talent, the opportunity to make their mark in the game. Providing assists is a key element in creating scoring opportunities for your team.

The ability to find your teammates and put them in the best position to score separates elite passers from the good ones. The creation of these goals requires players who have the youthful energy and the eye for finding that killer pass at the perfect moment.

While it’s the goalscorer who grabs the headlines, the assist provider plays an equally important role in the build-up. The upcoming list of players made that instant impact almost immediately after making their ISL debuts with their respective clubs.

Let’s take a look at the top ten youngest assist providers in ISL history, who made their mark at a remarkably young age.

Note: All values are taken from Transfermarkt.

10. Daniel Lalhlimpuia (Chennaiyin FC, 2016) – 19 years, 2 months, 19 days

Kicking off the list is Mumbai City FC forward Daniel Lalhlimpuia. While playing at Chennaiyin FC in the 2015/2016 season at 19 years, 2 months, and 19 days, the forward provided an assist to Nigerian striker Dudu during their entertaining 5-4 loss against FC Goa.

A hard-working player currently playing for Mumbai City FC, Lalhlimpuia is still considered an important squad player by coach Petr Kratky.

9. Vinith Venkatesh (FC Bengaluru, 2024-25) – 19 years, 1 month, 19 days

Vinith Venkatesh made an instant impact in his debut season in the ISL for the Blues by providing an assist at just 19 years, 1 month, and 19 days.

The pacy winger provided the assist for defender Rahul Bheke’s opening goal in the 5th minute in a 3-0 win over Hyderabad FC. His tireless energy and ability to burst past his defenders make him a promising talent for the future and a player to watch out for the West Block Blues.

8. Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC, 2020-21) – 19 years, 1 month, 12 days

The marauding left-back who currently plays for Mumbai City FC showed his offensive capabilities with a wonderful assist against NorthEast United FC in the 2020/2021 season at 19 years, 1 month, and 12 days.

The vital contribution by Mishra came in the 36th minute as a Hyderabad FC player to Australian forward Joel Chianese during a 4-2 victory over NorthEast United FC. His versatility as a talented full-back hasn’t yet been utilized this season by coach Petr Kratky, who will be keen to employ him during the season.

7. Amarjit Singh Kiyam (Jamshedpur FC, 2019-20) – 19 years, 1 month, 4 days

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder was a well-regarded young talent and provided an assist for Jamshedpur FC against NorthEast United FC in the 2019/20 season at 19 years, 1 month, and 4 days.

The key pass by Kiyam came during first half added time as he assisted Spanish centre forward David Grande against the Highlanders. His leadership skills and midfield presence helped him stand out early in his career and Mohammedan SC will be hoping he repeats those heroics this season as well.

6. Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC, 2023-24) – 19 years, 1 month, 1 day

Abhishek opened his assist account with a goal for Punjab FC during the 2023-24 season, at 19 years, 1 month, and 1 day old. The assist from Abhishek came in the 23rd minute for forward Wilmar Jordan Gil during a 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC.

The former India U-20 international has been a player to watch out for this season and the Shers will be keen to keep him hungry.

5. Moirangthem Thoiba Singh (Odisha FC, 2021-22) – 18 years, 11 months, 28 days

Young Thoiba Singh made his mark with Odisha FC in the 2021/22 season, delivering an assist at 18 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

The key moment came in the 81st minute when supplied the ball for Brazilian centre forward Jonathas, who scored their only goal of the game in a 1-9 win over NorthEast United FC. The young Manipur midfielder is among one of the rising stars in the ISL this season and is expected to be involved during the international break.

4. Manglenthang Kipgen (Punjab FC, 2023-24) – 18 years, 10 months, 7 days

While playing for Punjab FC, midfielder Manglenthang produced a brilliant assist during the 2023-24 season at 18 years, 10 months, and seven days.

The moment came during a 4-1 win over East Bengal FC where he supplied Madih Talal with an assist in the 43rd minute to make it 2-1. Still only 19, Kipgen is still a very prodigious talent whom the Shers will be keen to hold on to for coming seasons.

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3. Ninthoi Meetei (NorthEast United FC, 2019-20) – 18 years, 7 months, 12 days

The current Punjab FC right winger assisted for NorthEast United in the 2019-20 season when he was just 18 years, seven months, and 12 days old.

His flair on the right wing led to attacking midfielder Martin Chaves’ goal in the 43rd minute in a 2-2 draw with Chennaiyin FC. Currently playing for the Shers, Meetei has only managed 2 appearances this season.

2. Jerry Lalrinzuala (Chennaiyin FC, 2017-18) – 18 years, 2 months, 23 days

The talented left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala made headlines with his early achievements for Chennaiyin FC assisting in a 3-2 win over ATK during the 2017-18 season.

He recorded an assist at the age of 18 years, 2 months, and 23 days when he assisted Spanish right-back Inigo Calderon. Lalrinzuala continues to bamboozle opponents with his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively at Odisha FC.

1. Korou Singh (Kerala Blasters, 2024-25) – 17 years, 11 months, 4 days

Korou Singh tops the list as the youngest assist provider in ISL history, achieving this feat in the 2024-25 season at just 17 years, 11 months, and 4 days. The former India U-20 international assisted during a 2-1 loss to Hyderabad FC.

Playing as a right midfielder, Singh outfoxed his defender and put in a delicious cross for striker Jesus Jimenez to finish in the 13th minute. His quick rise to prominence has drawn attention to his potential as a playmaker and makes him a player to watch in the coming years.

ISL continues to deliver young stars

The above-mentioned young players not only made a name for themselves early in their careers but have also shown the potential to contribute significantly to Indian football in the coming years.

A player to keep an eye on for now is Korou Singh, who can be a standout performer this season for the Tuskers in the 2024/2025 ISL campaign.

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