ISL Season 8: The Indian Super League has seen a record number of goals being scored this season. At the point of writing 202 goals have been scored this season and with playoffs still, a few weeks awake that number will only increase in the coming days. Hyderabad FC Bartholomew Ogbeche leads the race for the Golden Boot this season as he has recorded 12 goals till now. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
But this season it has been good news for the Indian fans as we have seen a lot of Indian players stepping up and scoring goals consistently. The teams are no longer dependent on their foreign contingent to score goals as their Indian counterparts have also joined the party and have eased up the workload up front.
Therefore we list out the top five Indian goalscorers this season:
Ishan Pandita
Despite only featuring 193 minutes, Ishan Pandita has proven to be a solid signing for Jamshedpur FC this season. The young forward who has specialised in the art of getting in the right position at the right time has scored two crucial goals for Owen Coyle’s men.
Pandita’s goalscoring instincts make him different from the other Indian forwards. He also has a calm head on his shoulders and generally comes up with the finish needed to convert the chances. He recently bagged the last gasp winner for Jamshedpur FC against SC East Bengal. Before that he dug in and scored the decisive goal against NorthEast United in the dying moments to bag all three points for the Men of Steel.
Suhair VP
Probably the most underrated player in the Indian Super League, VP Suhair has been tremendous for the Highlanders this season. Although he has scored three goals this season his work rate and chance creation has impressed a lot of people. He has often led the lines for NorthEast United in Deshorn Brown’s absence and is equally adept in playing on either flank.
SUhair’s versatility to adjust to a new position and his different array of skills as a forward make him one of the best Indian forwards in the ISL this season. The Palakkad born striker has been performing consistently for the last three seasons and is a serious contender for the Indian national team.
Bipin Singh
Another forward who has had a breakthrough season last time out for Mumbai City has maintained his level this season aswell. Mumbai City’s golden boy, Bipin Singh scored the winner in their 2-1 win against ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL finals. Bipin has carried his rich vein of form this season and has already recorded three goals and two assists in 11 matches.
The 26-year-old is mostly known for his blistering speed and a great eye for goals. His time under Sergio Lobera has helped him improve, something that has aided the winger a lot. But his area of strength still remains in taking on defenders with speed and pulling the trigger from the edge of the penalty area.
Sahal Abdul Samad
This has been the standout year for Sahal Abdul Samad in the Indian Super League. Sahal was always hyped due to his exceptional talent and skill with the ball. But he hardly had anything to show for all that talent. but this season under the tutelage of Ivan Vukomanovic, a lot has changed for the India international. The Serbian tactician has allowed Sahal more freedom, something that he enjoys and that has seen a massive difference in his output.
Sahal has registered four goals in 11 matches this season and is in fiery goalscoring form. He scored three goals in three consecutive games against Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC and Jamshedpur FC, out of which the Blasters won two and played out a stalemate against the Men of Steel. Sahal’s creativity, nimble footwork and understanding of the game allows him to create openings in the final third. This is an area that he has used with aplomb. The 24-year-old midfielder has played a big role in turning the fortunes for the Yellow Army this season and the fans will hope that he keeps on adding to his tally.
Liston Colaco
What a hit, Liston Colaco! He keeps scoring some wonderful goals. 👏🏽
🎥 Indian Super League pic.twitter.com/J04SpX1HPK
— The Field (@thefield_in) December 29, 2021
Liston Colaco’s time at FC Goa and later Hyderabad FC was enough to suggest that he was highly talented. But it was his move to ATK Mohun Bagan that turned him into a different player. Ever since he feature under the tutelage of Antonio Habas, Colaco has marauded the left flank and has scored some exceptional goals in the process. His lightning speed, nimble footwork and penchant for finding the net make him a nightmare for the opponent defenders.
The young winger has scored five goals this season and is the highest Indian goalscorer till now. Apart from the goals he also has notched up an assist and has really created a difference for the Mariners. Liston Colaco’s long-range goal against FC Goa created tremors even abroad as it went viral on social media. Liston Colaco already looks like a player who is ready to carry this form at the international level and by the looks of it seems that he is only getting started.
