Top five midfielders to watch out in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

Adrian Luna’s eyes are on clinching the first-ever silverware for Kerala Blasters.

After the culmination of the eleventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is set to take place from April 20 in the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar. This tournament not just acts as the curtain-drawer of the Indian footballing calendar, but also allows different clubs to salvage their season with a rare opportunity to represent India at the continental level.

The ISL season saw midfielders orchestrating their team’s balance, providing stability in the back, and initiating attacks simultaneously. From Suresh Singh Wangjam helping Bengaluru FC to reach the ISL Finals to Ashique Kuruniyan’s acceleration storming Mohun Bagan Super Giant to win the domestic double, midfielders are set to play an even crucial role in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

5. Nestor Albiach (North East United FC)

The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder from Xirivella came to India after accumulating experience worldwide. From featuring in the Czech first division with Sparta Prague and plying his trade with Rayo Majadahonda to winning the first ever silverware in the Highlander’s history, Albiach has done it all.

The 6-feet-tall midfield maestro is coming after a great ISL Season with NorthEast United FC. He featured in every single match of the Highlanders and scored six goals while contributing a solitary assist as well. He will be a delight to watch as Juan Pedro Benali will be keen to complete his domestic double for the Highlanders in this footballing calendar by winning the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

4. Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC)

The 2020-21 AIFF Emerging Player of the Year, Suresh Wangjam would be keen to turn his silver medal into gold after winning the Super Cup for his side. The 24-year-old defensive midfielder from Manipur garnered a lot of attention during his stint with the Indian Arrows before being inducted into the reserves side of Bengaluru FC.

Wangjam also featured in almost every single match for the Blues and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists in this ISL Season. His 86% passing accuracy and completing an average of 33 passes every single game makes him an indispensable component in Gerard Zaragoza’s setup ahead of Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

ALSO READ: How East Bengal FC can win Kalinga Super Cup 2025?

3. Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Amidst a season marred by inconsistency, injuries and internal disputes, Hugo Boumous emerged as a glimmering beam of hope for the Juggernauts. Boumous, unarguably, finds his name placed among the best midfielders to ever set foot in the ISL after winning the ISL Trophy with the Mariners and also being part of that Mumbai City FC setup, which became the first ever Indian side to win the ISL Shield and ISL Trophy in the same season.

The 29-year-old Moroccan dynamo will have the support of the local vociferous and passionate Odisha FC fanbase, who will make him feel at home in the Super Cup. Sergio Lobera’s mastermind, coupled with Hugo Boumous’ brilliance in the field, could help Odisha FC reach their third consecutive finals in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

2. Ashique Kuruniyan (Mohun Bagan)

Ashique Kuruniyan transitioned perfectly in the Mohun Bagan setup post recovering from an injury. He was ruled out of the entire ISL 2023-24 season due to an ACL injury, but his comeback was far more special than his setback. Despite not getting enough game time this season, Ashique performed when it mattered the most.

He made his mark for the Mariners in the Semi-Final and Final clash, where his ability to speed up from the flanks seemed as if he never left. Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC’s wingbacks had no response to Kuruniyan’s counter-attacks, which helped Mohun Bagan win the ISL Trophy. He could be a key player ahead of Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

1. Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

While many might not even consider Kerala Blasters a threat, given their current form, but the Men in Yellow could emerge as the biggest darkhorses of Kalinga Super Cup 2025. Given their trophy drought of over a decade, David Catala seems determined to help Blasters win their first-ever trophy, and Adrian Luna could become the main protagonist of this fairy tale, if it ever comes true.

Luna requires no definition and is one of the most creative midfielders to play in the ISL. His presence completely changed the trajectory of this club. Despite a poor season, Luna made his impact for the Blasters by contributing 6 assists, and he is set to multiply his impact for the Blasters in the upcoming edition of the Kalinga Super Cup.

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