Mumbai City FC are one of those teams that have continuously mesmerised fans with its brand of football. Beyond their formidable attacking prowess, the Islanders have seamlessly cultivated defensive solidity.

Over the past two seasons, they have not only scored the most goals during the league phase but have also conceded the fewest.

During the previous season, they secured their second Indian Super League (ISL) Shield, and this season, they narrowly missed defending the Shield, falling just short of the eventual winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant on the final day.

Despite mid-season turmoil, with the departure of their champion head coach Des Buckingham and the appointment of a new head coach, along with several injuries and departures of key players, they found their stride at the right moment in the league. They embarked on an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak, only to be halted by the Mariners who lifted their first-ever League Shield.

Much like the previous season, Mumbai City FC dominated their opposition this season, securing vital points in crucial games. One player who has been the central force among their offensive players in both seasons is their Mizo winger, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Read: Key battles to watch out for in Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa

Last season, the Indian international enjoyed his best domestic performance, breaking numerous records. Among the star-studded foreigners on the team, he stood out and became the go-to player for the Islanders with his exceptional performances.

Chhangte became only the second Indian player after Sunil Chhetri to be adjudged the league's best player last season. He displayed his ability to take on defenders, wreak havoc on the flanks, and score from long range. Last season, he also became the second player after Chhetri to provide 16 goal contributions in a single season. 

Beyond the Numbers: Chhangte's Influence on the Pitch

This season, despite a sluggish start, Chhangte regained his form at precisely the right juncture. Chhangte, alongside Vikram Partap Singh, stepped up during challenging times, particularly when Jorge Pererya Diaz and Iker Guarrotxena were injured.

The 26-year-old continues to dismantle opposition defences with bursting runs, deft touches, clever passes, and neat dribbles. His versatility has been a useful trait for their new head coach, Petr Kratky. He is currently the leading goal scorer and assists provider for his team, with nine goals and six assists.

Chhangte has now become the second player after Chhetri to register 10+ goal contributions in multiple seasons and the first player to achieve this feat in consecutive seasons.

He also tops the list for chances created on his side, with 38 chances, and has registered the most shots (38) and the most shots on target (22).

Stats Chhangte in 2022-23   Chhangte in 2023-24  
Games Played 22 23  
Minutes Played 1855 1667  
Goals 10 9  
Assists 6 6  
Mins/Goal 185.5 185.22  
Chances Created (incl. assists) 31 38  
Total Shots (incl. blocks) 49 48  
Shot Conversion Rate (incl. blocks) 20.41 18.75  
Passes 681 553  
Passing Accuracy 81.79 84.09  
Passes into the Final Third 42 38  
Touches in the Opponent Box 145 107  
Dribbles Attempted 67 69  
Dribbles Success Rate 47.76 47.83  
Crosses (incl. corners) 45 70  
Crosses/Corners Accuracy 17.78 24.29  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He has now provided an attacking return in each of his last seven matches. Chhangte's ability to turn the tide in critical moments has been pivotal, as showcased in his stunning performance against FC Goa in the first leg of the semi-final, where his two goals spurred a remarkable comeback win for the Islanders.

He will now aim to lead his team to another victory in the second leg of the semi-final and secure a spot in the final clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

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Mumbai City FC2023-2024 Lallianzuala Chhangte