The new Indian Super League (ISL) season is just around the corner, and the excitement is reaching a fever pitch. This year, the league expanded to 13 teams with the arrival of Mohammedan SC, who have become only the second team to secure direct promotion to the ISL.

While many established stars will be eager to grab the headlines, a host of young talents are poised to take centre stage and accelerate their growing careers.

We’ve picked five exciting players to watch in the ISL 2024-25 season.

Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Kerala Blasters FC midfielder made his ISL debut against Mumbai City FC in early 2023 and has quickly made his mark, accumulating 23 appearances in the league for the Blasters despite only turning 21 in February.

In recent years, the central midfield role at Kerala Blasters FC has been occupied by Indian players, and Mohanan has made a strong impression in this position since last season. At just 21, he impresses with his poise on the ball, his ability to handle passes under pressure, and his skill in driving play forward, making him a linchpin in the Blasters' midfield setup.

With Jeakson Singh now with East Bengal FC, Mohanan will be expected to take on a more prominent role this season as the Blasters aim for a successful ISL campaign.

Vishnu PV (East Bengal FC)

Vishnu PV offered glimpses of his potential last season, and with East Bengal FC’s winger position being highly competitive, opportunities for academy players like Sayan Banerjee and Aman CK may be limited. But Vishnu is expected to play a pivotal role under Carles Cuadrat this season.

The 22-year-old is set to make waves with his agile dribbling, remarkable speed, and impressive chance-creating skills. His ability to score and versatility in multiple positions give him a notable edge over others.

In his debut ISL season, Vishnu delivered plenty of 'wow' moments, including a spectacular solo goal against Odisha FC, the fastest goal of the season, and a smooth nutmeg of Subhasish Bose in the Kolkata Derby.

Huidrom Thoi Singh (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC have long been a breeding ground for emerging talent, with players like Lalengmawia Ralte and Rehenesh TP evolving from the club into key figures at their current teams.

Thoi Singh is the latest promising midfielder in this tradition. After spending most of his youth career at Bengaluru FC, Singh caught the eye of NorthEast United FC, who signed him last season.

Though still developing, Singh has shown significant progress over the past year. His performances in the recent Durand Cup, where he scored twice and provided an assist, suggest that this ISL season could be a pivotal one for him.

Chingambam Shivaldo Singh (Bengaluru FC)

There is genuine excitement surrounding the new generation of talent emerging from Bengaluru FC, and Shivaldo Singh is among those poised to capture significant attention this season.

Singh began his career as a centre-back but has since transitioned to the right-back position and, more recently, to the right midfield or right-wing under Gerard Zaragoza. His versatility on the field is sure to impress the Spanish coach. Singh made his ISL debut last season and gained valuable experience with substantial minutes in the recently concluded Durand Cup.

With numerous players vying for the right flank of the Blues, the 20-year-old is well-positioned to seize opportunities and showcase his impressive attacking and defensive qualities.

Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC)

Punjab FC have consistently been a hub for nurturing emerging talent, as evidenced by their triumph in the RFDL and their historic performance in the PL Next Generation Cup.

Among their promising talents, Singh made his ISL debut last season against Bengaluru FC in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The full-back earned his first start in the subsequent match against East Bengal FC, delivering a standout performance that helped secure a point against the Red and Gold Brigade.

The 19-year-old continued to impress with his dynamic displays, frequently posing a significant attacking threat down the right flank. With a new head coach now in charge, Singh could become a valuable asset for the team in the right-back position.

Other notable mentions: David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal FC), Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters FC), Brison Fernandes (FC Goa), and Macarton Louis Nickson (NorthEast United FC)