Best Players of Indian Super League : It’s not quite often we discuss Indian football but the introduction of Indian super league and it’s overwhelming response made us do so.
The world’s most popular sport that has the least number of followers in the country that has 1.5billion population is the sad story. Due to the introduction of ISL, the face of Indian football is slowing changing. ISL gave the change to the Indian players to share the dressing room with the best players across the world, to get training with them and playing against them give the immense opportunity to improve their game. After the introduction of Indian super league, the performance of the Indian football team is also improving dramatically.
No doubt the league has enhanced the popularity of the sport in the country and there are lots of young players are slowing emerging as the best players across the country. Not only foreigners but also the Indian players are also making their presence felt in the tournament. Due to these developments, the quality of the league is getting improved year by year and this reflects in the television ratings. Youngsters in India are started accepting football and following the league very closely. Here is the list of top 10 best players of Indian super league.
#1 Apoula Edel
The 32-year-old Armenian footballer is one of the best goalkeepers of the league. He won the golden gloves in 2016 for Chennaiyin FC and he continues to play the key role in the success of the team. He began his ISL career at Atletico de Kolkata and later moved on to Chennaiyin FC.
#2 Jeje Lalpekhlua
It’s quite surprising for everyone to see an Indian name in the list but Jeje used his opportunity very well and made his presence count in each and every year of the tournament. He has been the second highest goal scorer in the history of the ISL. Playing for Chennaiyin FC and has been instrumental in the team’s title run during 2016. Mizoram born striker is a key member of Chennaiyin FC and hope he would repeat the same performance in the years to come. Asian football fraternity believes that he is the next big thing as far as Asian football is concerned.
#3 Florent Malouda
The French footballer is the reason behind the Delhi’s semi-final finish during the second edition of the league. his brilliant tactics made him the best player of the ISL. His brilliant tactics made him so special and he is the one who creates the goal scoring opportunities frequently. The former Chelsea player also having a wide range of experience is one of the best players in the world to play for ISL. He began his career in 1996 and was the key member of Chelsea from 2007 to 2013.
#4 Eugeneson Lyngdoh
This Meghalaya born player who made the most of the opportunities count has impressed everyone by his defensive tactics. He is the key member of Pune FC and continues to improve in each and every game. he is the best midfield in the history ISL at the moment. He also won the 2015 player of the year award.
#5 Iain Hume
This Canadian player has been the seasonal goal scorer in ISL and has already scored 23 goals to his name. he played a key role in Atletico te Kolkata’s title campaign in 2016. He is playing for Kerala Blasters in the current season and they look at him to turn the things around. No wonder he is the vital cog in Kerala blasters fortune this year.
#6 Sunil Chhetri
The Virat Kohli of Indian football is also leading the Bengaluru FC team in the upcoming edition of ISL. Played for Mumbai FC in the past edition is the highest Indian goal scorer of the tournament that includes a hattrick against Delhi team. The best Indian player without any doubt and he is honing his skills in ISL. Hope his ISL stint will improve his game and India’s fortunes at international events. He is going to be the key player for any team in ISL in the years to come.
#7 Eidur Gudjohnsen
The most experienced player in the history of the ISL and has worn the jerseys of Chelsea and Barcelona in the career spanning over 20 years. The 38-year-old Iceland based footballer is a key member for Pune FC and hopes he will continue his form in the ongoing season.
#8 Lucio
The 38-year old Brazilian player was the part of Brazil world cup winning squad in 2002. He is currently the player-coach of goa FC and the team will need his performance to steal the top spot in the ongoing season. Hope he doesn’t them.
#9 Helder Postiga
This Portuguese legend has shared the dressing room with Christiano Ronaldo and is representing Atletico te Kolkata. Though he was not at his full potential due to his injuries, He is expected to turn the things around this season. He is the primary member of the squad and is expected to play a key role in Atletico te Kolkata’s campaign this year. No doubt he is the best player of the world and team Kolkatta will be benefitted from his services.
#10 Diego Forlan
This 37-year-old former Uruguay national is definitely a valuable addition for Mumbai FC. The former Inter Milan player is expected to repeat his performances that are known for in the past. He is going to the vital member in Mumbai’s campaign. Having won European golden shoe and golden ball for the best player in 2010 world cup ISL is blessed to have the legends like him playing in the league.
No doubt these players will improve the quality of the league in the years to come and budding Indian footballers will learn a lot from them. The spectators are also happy to see their heroes playing in front of them which will draw huge people to take up the sport. Simply saying the golden days for Indian football begins in style thanks to the Indian super league.
Also Check:
- Indian Super League (ISL) – History, All Seasons, Best Players and Upcoming Matches
- Bhaichung Bhutia – An Indian Football Legend
- Top 10 Best ISL Players – Indian Sports League
