The second edition of the ISL is underway since the first week of October and the league has become better. It has attracted many international stars. Let us take a look at the top international players of this season.
Elano Blumer
Elano Blumer also known as Elano plays for Chennaiyin F.C in the ISL. The Brazilian had started his career at Santos F.C followed by a six-year stint in Europe with clubs like Shakthar Donetsk, Manchester City and Galatasaray SK. The central attacking midfielder is known for his accurate passing and precise set pieces. Elano is arguably the best midfielder of this league. His playmaking skills are excellent and so is his conversion rate of penalties and free kicks. He had finished as the top scorer last season. He makes a very valuable addition for Chennaiyin F.C rather one can say that he makes a very valuable addition for the ISL.
Stiven Mendoza
Mendoza ,the 23-year-old Columbian striker also plays for Chennaiyin F.C. Mendoza is known for his lethal finishes. With blistering pace, smart runs and perfect positioning makes him the best striker of ISL. Mendoza is loved by all, be it Chennaiyin F.C fans or fans of other clubs. He is a promising talent both for the club and the country. With the likes of James Rodriguez and Falcao in his national team and other players from his Corinthians side, he’ll learn more quickly and might become a great striker in the near future.
Roberto Carlos
The current player-manager of the Delhi Dynamos side, former Brazilian international is considered to be the best left back of the modern era. Nicknamed as the bullet man, he used to take free kicks which were measured over a speed of 100 miles per hour. His free kicks were a nightmare for every opposition goalie. The 2002 World Cup winner became famous after the banana curved free kick he took left the whole world stunned. His footballing career for Brazil and Real Madrid earned him a huge reputation. ISL and Delhi Dynamos are lucky to have a player of this caliber.
Lucio
Another legendary defender who plays for Goa F.C under Zico. The former World Cup winner plays at the centre back position. His career was predominantly with Bayern Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He had won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and the Champions league with Inter. Under Mourinho, Lucio played a major role in helping Inter secure a historic treble after a 45-year gap. Even now, the 37-year-old had formed a formidable partnership with Gregory and settled very soon in the ISL. Lucio brings in great experience to his side and has a great impact at Goa F.C.
Florent Malouda
The 35-year-old Frenchman had been signed up by Delhi Dynamos this season. The former Lyon and Chelsea player is known for his playmaking and scoring abilities. Here he plays as a midfielder donning both central and winger roles. From the start of this season, Malouda has been assisting his team-mates to make inroads in opposition’s defence. Time and again he proves what a quality player he is. No surprise he is very famous here in India.
Nicolas Anelka
Anelka is the player-cum-manager of Mumbai City F.C. He has played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City, Arsenal, etc. The clubs he has played for tells us how big a player he is. He was also a regular French international who had played alongside Thierry Henry. The Les Bleus player though hasn’t created a great impact, he is still very famous here. This season he hasn’t played much, restricting his role to a manager. This striker can impart his experience to our Indian strikers whose finishing isn’t upto the mark in International fixtures.
Bernard Mendy
Mendy plays for Chennaiyin F.C in the ISL. The defender who plays both central defence and side back positions is a valuable asset to the club. By scoring with a bicycle kick in his first match here, Mendy had announced his arrival. His pace, power and tackling skills are great making him an important player of the club. Though he has a lackluster start to this season, the Frenchman will turn it around soon for himself and for his club.
Iain Hume
The Scotland-born Canadian striker now plays for Atletico de Kolkata. After a scintillating first season with the Kerala Blasters, he had been lured by the ISL champions this season. Hume is known for dribbling past defenders with ease and great vision. His footballing career took a horrifying turn when he was injured in his head after a challenge with the opposition defender. Fortunately now he is making waves with great form. He is also Kolkata’s go to man this season.
John Arne Riise
Riise is a Norwegian footballer who now plays for the Delhi Dynamos in the ISL. The former Champions league winning Liverpool left back is now the best defender of this season. Having a rock solid partnership with Anas in the back four, Riise has provided well for the Dynamos. At times he had also played as a midfielder giving more options to attack. Riise can be called as the backbone of Delhi’s defence this season.
Tuncay Sanli
Tuncay Sanli also known as Tuncay, plays for Pune F.C. The Turkish striker can be called as a Fenerbahce great. He had also played in the Premier league for the clubs Middlebrough and Stoke City. The 33-year-old has found the back of the net frequently for Pune. Though he had signed for the club this year, he didn’t take much time to settle in. This reliable striker is a great asset to his club.
