The Durand Cup 2024 is set to kick off the 2024/25 Indian football season, providing an ideal tournament for players to hone their skills and for new signings to make an early impact. As the oldest tournament in Indian football, the Durand Cup holds a prestigious place, and players have the incentive to make their mark in its storied history.
The Durand Cup 2023, won by Mohun Bagan, was a thrilling tournament featuring standout performances from many players. Among them, a select few distinguished themselves with their exceptional ability to create goals. Here are the top five players with the most assists in the previous Durand Cup edition.
5. Aakash Sangwan – 2 Assists
Chennaiyin FC dominated the group stages of the 2023 Durand Cup, winning all three group matches impressively. One of their standout players was left-back Aakash Sangwan, who showcased his creative prowess. Sangwan provided two assists in four games, frequently troubling opposition defenses with his excellent set-piece delivery and crosses from wide areas. Having now joined FC Goa, Sangwan aims to inspire his new team to victory in this year’s tournament.
4. Greg Stewart – 3 Assists
Greg Stewart was a key player for Mumbai City FC during their impressive group stage run in the Durand Cup 2023. The Scottish midfielder exhibited remarkable match fitness and creativity in the final third, notching three assists and scoring a goal in four matches. His clever passing and ability to find teammates in scoring positions were instrumental in tormenting teams like Mohammedan Sporting and Jamshedpur FC. Stewart is now rumored to be joining Mohun Bagan for the upcoming Durand Cup.
3. Alex Sanchez – 3 Assists
Gokulam Kerala captain Alex Sanchez led his team with inspiring performances in the Durand Cup 2023. Despite being a center-forward, Sanchez excelled in link-up play, contributing three assists in four appearances. His standout performance came against Kerala Blasters, where he set up two goals in a crucial win that helped his team reach the knockout rounds. Although Gokulam Kerala eventually fell to East Bengal in the quarter-finals, Sanchez’s efforts were memorable.
2. Alexis Gomez – 3 Assists
Mohammedan Sporting’s Argentine forward Alexis Gomez had a noteworthy campaign in the Durand Cup 2023, despite his team’s early exit from the group stages. Gomez delivered an exceptional performance against Jamshedpur FC, recording three assists in a single game. This year, he hopes to lead his team deeper into the tournament and ensure consistent goal contributions to push Mohammedan Sporting towards the title.
1. Vibin Mohanan – 3 Assists
Kerala Blasters used the Durand Cup as a platform for their young players last year, and midfielder Vibin Mohanan seized the opportunity. In just two appearances, Mohanan impressed with three assists. His notable contributions included one assist in a 2-2 draw against Bengaluru FC and two assists in a 5-0 win over the Indian Air Force team. As he takes on a bigger role in the upcoming Durand Cup, Mohanan aims to replicate his success and guide Kerala Blasters further into the tournament.
These players showcased their exceptional playmaking abilities in the Durand Cup 2023, making significant contributions to their teams’ performances. As the 2024 edition approaches, fans eagerly await to see who will emerge as the top assist providers and lead their teams to glory.