Indian Super League: Five midfielders to watch out for this season

The tournament will be followed by the ISL, where a roster of experienced and young players will ply their trade, hoping to leave an impact in the hearts of spectators and fans. 

Midfielders are often overlooked or underestimated in the hunt for the best defenders and forwards. They assist defenders in the build-up phase to setting up the pace of attack besides throwing effective final third passes. 

Here are the top five midfielders who might create history in the upcoming edition of the ISL.

Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)

Anirudh Thapa is a midfielder who competes for Chennaiyin FC. He has left a lasting impact as the skipper of the Marina Machans and is known for having a commanding presence in the midfield.

Thapa is an attacking as well as a defending force in his team. He could boost Thomas Bradaric's side and hog the limelight in the 2022-23 season.

He has a tremendous work ethic, is decisive in crucial situations, and has a knack for being active in all game phases. 

Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC's Suresh Singh Wangjam is a box-to-box midfielder who has worked hard to be a crucial player in the club's first team.

The 22-year-old has a reputation for being a dependable player for the Blues. He exhibited in class during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers this year.

Wangjam is a turbulent force positioned alongside Jeakson Singh in the middle of the field. The former fended off defenders and broke into the opposition's attacks which also helped the Blue Tigers during transitions. 

Joni Kauko (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Joni Kauko has become a famous face in the club's starting 11 despite taking time to settle into the club. 

Due to his versatility, the Finnish international has pacified coach Juan Ferrando's tactics and gameplay in the centre of midfield. Kauko has played as a false nine many times, and his physical talents have rendered him successful. 

His discipline and flexibility also add to his performance, making him one of the best midfielders in the league. 

Alex Lima (East Bengal FC)

The Brazilian midfielder led his former club Jamshedpur FC to the League Winners Shield last season, using his ability to gauge the space around and progress attacks. 

The former Red Miners man is additionally adept in monitoring his teammates' runs and throwing accurate passes. He joined the East Bengal FC ahead of the 2022-23 season and is now expected to bolster Stephen Constantine's squad. 

Alex Lima could help the coach revive the Red and Gold Brigade going into the 2022-23 season.

Ahmed Jahouh (Mumbai City FC)

Ahmed Jahouh is the pillar of Mumbai City FC and is arguably the best deep-lying playmaker in the league. Even without a prominent physical presence, the Morrocan midfielder quickly identifies spaces and progresses attacks accordingly. 

With Jahouh's services, Mumbai City FC can restore its lost glory in the ISL.