ISL: The top five assist-makers during the 2021-22 season

They accelerate the scoreboard despite not being in the limelight. In the Indian Super League 2021-22, players have executed impressive assists.

Greg Stewart 

At the top of the list is Greg Stewart who managed 10 assists in 19 matches. The Scottish attacking midfielder was in his best form during the league stage which reflected in the overall success of Jamshedpur FC in season 2021-2022.

He additionally scored 10 goals in 19 matches for his team Jamshedpur FC and now shares the record for most assists in one Indian season,alongside Frenchman Hugo Boumous who achieved the feat in the 2019-20 edition.

Greg Stewart contributed two crucial assists, resulting in a 5-1 drubbing of Odisha FC on March 4, 2022. 

Ahmed Jahouh

Below Greg is Mumbai City FC midfielder Ahmed Jahouh who had seven assists in 15 matches. Ahmed has been an important asset for the defending champions throughout the league. The Moroccan player also scored three goals in 15 games.

Naorem Roshan Singh

Another player who has had a good season is Naorem Roshan Singh from Bengaluru FC. He has seven assists in 17 matches apart from a goal to his credit. Despite his efforts, the Blues did not pull through to the semifinal stages.

They could only secure eight wins from 20 matches in the league stage which landed them in the sixth position. 

Adrián Luna

The fourth on the list is 29-year-old Uruguayan footballer Adrián Luna, who has been involved in 13 goals assists for the Kerala Blasters. He assisted in seven of them and netted six himself.

His special knuckleball shot has intimidated other clubs like ATK Mohun Bagan FC and FC Goa. According to former India midfielder NP Pradeep, "That technique requires hundreds of hours of training and not everyone can master it.

I have tried to learn it and if the ball doesn't dip, you could end up ballooning it and you end up looking like an idiot. Only Adrián Luna and Liston Colaco have managed to get it right in the ISL this season." The Uruguayan entered the season as the Vice-Captain, but Jessel Carneiro's injury compelled him to take the front wheel in January.  

Jony Kauko

Last on the list is ATK Mohan Bagan's Jony Kauko who has recently been performing as per his club’s expectation.

He has six assists in 20 matches in the 2021-2022 season. His comeback match after recovering from illness on February 12, 2022 was against NorthEast United FC where he delivered a stellar performance. The Finnish international is aware of high expectation from his club and fans. 

In that regard, he said, "I had to spend almost one month in isolation, that was a very tough time. So, I am very happy that I gave my best for the team I know the supporters expect more from me and I will try my best."