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With big names on the roster and promising Indians getting a chance to display their flair, the Hero Indian Super League, halfway into its first season, finds its heroes - and its duds. Take a look.
The first edition of ISL kicked off amid fanfare in Kolkata last month, and it’s fair to say that India’s first attempt to bring quality international football to its shores has been relatively successful. Before the tournament got under way, football fans were sceptical about the quality of football that would be on offer. Given that the league was being seen as a 'retirement home' for most marquee players, and the other foreign players too relatively unheard of, one felt this cynicism was justified.
Much to the relief of the fans, the league has thrown up some good football. A far cry from the drab matches in the domestic I-League, ISL has seen fast-paced, attractive football. Moreover, ISL has been hugely successful in pulling crowds to the stadiums.
Fifty-two goals have been scored in the 22 games played so far — that’s a healthy average of 2.36 goals a game. While superstars like Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pirès and Fredrik Ljungberg may not have been at their best, the likes of Borja Fernandez, Hans Mulder, Ofentse Nato and Cavin Lobo have definitely made their mark. We look at the players who have shone as well as those who have failed to live up to their billing.
The hits:
Andre Moritz of Mumbai City FC
Andre Moritz has been one of the bright spots in Mumbai City’s stuttering campaign. The Brazilian put up one of the best attacking displays of the tournament against FC Pune City, scoring the season’s only hat-trick so far. The pick of the lot was his first goal in the 5-0 rout, when he cut past two defenders and beautifully curled the ball past opposition keeper Arindam Bhattacharya. The former CrystalPalace midfielder must keep finding the back of the net if Mumbai are to have any chance of making it to the semi-final.
Cavin Lobo of Atletico De Kolkata
In a field flooded with foreign players, few Indian players have made a mark so far. But Atletico De Kolkata’s Cavin Lobo is a different story. A prolific goal scorer for Dempo, Mumbai FC and East Bengal in the last couple of years, the 26-year-old’s double strike led his team to a come-from-behind win over FC Goa. According to former India coach Armando Colaco, the Goan is the most skilled player in the country. Based on what we’ve seen, its difficult to argue with that.
Kondwani Mtonga of NorthEast United FC
The 30-year-old Zambian international has played a significant role in NorthEast United’s charge to the top four this season. A tough tackling midfielder who is equally adept at passing the ball, Mtonga has been the midfield orchestrator for the Highlanders, coming up with a man-of-the-match performance against MumbaiCity.
Elano of Chennaiyin FC
The Brazilian playmaker has been the standout performer in ISL so far. The former ManchesterCity and Galatasaray midfielder has been at the heart of everything Chennaiyin FC has done this season. With six goals and three assists to his name, the 33-year-old tops the league charts in both departments. While displaying terrific control in the middle of the park, he has been 'Beckhamesque' with the dead ball, netting three goals from free kicks.
Borja Fernandez of Atletico De Kolkata
Atletico De Kolkata’s first signing, Borja Fernandez has played the defensive midfield role with aplomb for Antonio Lopez Habas’ side. Fernandez scored the opening goal of the season in a 3-0 win over Mumbai City. But it’s on the other side of the pitch that he has truly flourished. The former Real Madrid man has played the holding role perfectly, breaking up play and winning tackles. He may prove to be one of the best buys this season.
The misses:
Robert Pires of FC Goa
He may have been one of the finest wingers of his time, but Robert Pires’ Indian sojourn has been painful to say the least. We may never see the blistering pace that tore defences apart again. And, at 40 years, you can’t really blame him. The former Arsenal player has failed to make an impact in central midfield, often being outpaced and bullied by his much younger opponents. The two-match ban he received after his bust up with the Atletico De Kolkata coach has only made matters worse.
Fredrik Ljungberg of Mumbai City FC
The Swede has been one of the most disappointing foreign signings this season. The world-class former Arsenal man has had barely any time on the pitch, making just two appearances for Mumbai City FC so far. He introduced himself to the Mumbai faithful with a 22-minute cameo in a 5-0 win over FC Pune City. His class was immediately apparent as he created two wonderful scoring opportunities. But his fitness went against him. Currently ruled out with injury, the 37-year-old’s ISL adventure may well be over.
Michael Chopra of Kerala Blasters
The former England youth international has only played a limited role for Kerala Blasters. Devoid of game time, Chopra has played in just two matches so far, and is yet to open his goal scoring account. Once a promising striker, the 30-year-old failed to live up to potential during spells with several different clubs in England. His ISL journey seems to be following the same pattern. Currently out with a freak ankle injury, Chopra needs to quickly find his scoring touch again.
