There have been a lot of close and exciting matches in the third season of the Indian Super League already. The competitiveness and quality of both the players and the managers have gone up, which is why the points table has almost no breathing space at the moment.
The close games and the individual moments of brilliance have arguably made this edition of the tournament the best so far.
One of the main factors behind the impressive performance of the teams is the work done behind the scenes - in the transfer market. The managers have been very shrewd in signing players who can add quality to their sides, rather than just star power. They have brought in players who can play according to their established systems, and that has worked out pretty well this season.
A few of the buys have stood out in particular because of the impact they have created on the tournament. Here is the list of top 5 successful transfers this season.
#1 Prabir Das - Delhi Dynamos to Atletico de Kolkata
Prabir Das has been a top signing by Atletico de Kolkata this season. The full-back did not make a single appearance for Delhi Dynamos last season, but has been in red hot form for Atletico this year.
The Jose Molina-led team have one of the best defensive records in the league so far, conceding just 10 goals from nine games. They were even unbeaten in their first five matches.
Das has contributed greatly to the team's success, and definitely deserves credit for his performances. A natural right-back, Das has been playing as the team's left-back and has adapted well to his new role.
The Kolkata player, who has made eight appearances for the team so far, has been omnipresent, running tirelessly up and down the pitch. It is his tenaciousness that has helped him get more chances in the team, and he has made full use of those chances.
Das has been a revelation for the Bengal outfit and will be a key component of the team in their upcoming fixtures.
#2 Debjit Majumder - Mumbai City FC to Atletico de Kolkata
Just like Atletico de Kolkata teammate Prabir Das, Majumder did not get much of a chance with his former club Mumbai City FC last season. But he has made full use of his opportunities after moving to the Bengal club this year.
Kolkata manager Jose Molina has shown plenty of faith in the 28-year-old goalkeeper, and Majumder has not let him down. The Indian goalkeeper was a standout performer for Mohun Bagan in the recent I-League season and he has brought his form to the ISL too.
The shot-stopper has made some good saves this season, and has been a rock at the back for the Kolkata outfit. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC might now regret letting go of the Mohun Bagan keeper, considering how well he has been playing.
#3 Jonatan Lucca - FC Goa to FC Pune City
Jonatan Lucca was one of the most important players for FC Goa last season, when they made it to the finals of the tournament. But, they were not able to retain the player this year, and Goa's loss was FC Pune City’s gain. Pune signed the midfielder for the third season and the move has worked out very well for them so far.
Lucca scored three goals and assisted one from 16 appearances for Goa last season. This season, while he hasn't yet been able score a goal, the Brazilian has assisted three from ten games.
The Brazilian has also contributed defensively to the team. The 22-year-old has been a more important figure to the team than their marquee player Mohamed Sissoko, which says a lot about the significance of his transfer.
The former Roma youngster will hope to help his current team get to the play-offs and maybe lift the trophy too. FC Goa, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the points table right now and are sorely missing a player like Lucca in their squad.
#4 Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte - Chennaiyin FC to Mumbai City FC
While Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, better known as Sena Ralte, was part of the title-winning Chennaiyin FC squad last season, he didn't have a major part to play in the Marco Materazzi managed side. However, the full-back has turned out to be a key player for his new club Mumbai City FC this term.
Ralte spent a majority of last season on the bench and could only make six appearances for Chennai, but he has played all of Mumbai's 11 games so far this season. The 28-year-old has been a never-ending source of energy, sprinting all over the field in his bid to keep things tight.
Mumbai currently sit third in the points table and Ralte's work rate has had a huge role in that. The Mumbai defence has kept five clean sheets and will be hoping that their backline continues being solid, with Ralte having a big say in keeping up those hopes.
#5 Cedric Hengbart - NorthEast United to Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters arguably have the best defence in the league this season and Cedric Hengbart is one of the reasons for their solidity.
The French defender was a part of the Blasters' squad in 2014, but moved to NorthEast United last year. However, the Men in Yellow brought the centre-half back again this season, and Hengbart has been top notch for the Steve Coppell-managed side so far.
The former Ajaccio player might have helped his team to only three clean sheets from 12 games for NorthEast last season, but has already kept three clean sheets from 10 games for the Blasters. Hengbart has also scored a goal and assisted another this term.
The player wore the captain's armband five times in the absence of marquee player Aaron Hughes, and led the team to victory on two of those occasions.
The 36-year-old, along with the rest of the Kerala defence, has been in good form so far, and Coppell will be expecting them to continue with their good work until the end of the season.
