ISL: 5 of the youngest squads in the 2021/22 season
The Indian Super League (ISL) is the biggest and most competitive league in the country, with all the top players from India participating in it. The league also boasts decent foreign talent, while in recent times, it has emerged as a breeding ground for youngsters.
The 2021/22 season of the ISL was one of the best in terms of football played in recent times and here, we take a look at five of the youngest squads in the competition last season.
1. Kerala Blasters FC - 26.2 average age
Kerala Blasters had a good 2021/22 season as they reached the final of the competition, only to fall at the last hurdle to eventual winners, Hyderabad FC.
Ivan Vukomanovic's side was the joint-youngest in the competition as seen by him giving a number of young Indian players opportunity to display their talents on the pitch.
The Blasters will hope to continue their good performance come the next ISL season.
2. Odisha FC - 26.2 average age
Odisha FC did not have the best of ISL seasons last time around as they only managed to finish seventh in the league table with 23 points and only six wins to their name.
Despite having a number of young stars in their squad and Spanish legend, David Villa as the technical director, they failed to put up consistent performances on the pitch.
While a number of pundits claimed that they are a team that lacks experience, the exploits of Kerala Blasters who have the same average age in terms of players should be studied.
3. FC Goa - 26.7 average age
Another club that struggled in the ISL last season was FC Goa, who finished ninth in the competition with 19 points in 20 games - losing more games than they could manage to win.
It was a surprising dip in form for the club considering that they won the 2021 Durand Cup, and their poor performance led to a number of changes in personnel as seen by the management appointing former star, Carlos Pena as the head coach for the upcoming season.
4. SC East Bengal - 27.1 average age
SC East Bengal or East Bengal as they are called now are one of the biggest and most historic clubs not only in India, but throughout Asia - though they have struggled when it has come to the ISL.
The Indian footballing giants finished at the bottom of the table last season, managing to register a solitary win in the 20 games they played.
The Kolkata-based club recently ended their two-year association with Shree Cement Limited and will no doubt look to add more quality and experience to their squad as they look to bounce back next season.
5. Mumbai City FC - 27.3 average age
Mumbai City came into the 2021/22 season as the defending champions, but ultimately failed to qualify for the playoff stage after finishing fifth, three points behind fourth-placed, Kerala Blasters.
However, they are currently in action in the AFC Champions League where they created history by becoming the first Indian club to win a match in the competition.