If you’ve been disappointed with the third edition of the Indian Super League so far, then you’re not the only ones. With only the last quarter of the season to go, the matches have all been hard fought, with the games mostly being more tactical and low scoring affairs, and that doesn’t always make for the best entertainment. But instead of bemoaning the limited excitement, except when Kerala Blasters play at home, it is heartening to see Indian and foreign players come together to put up such a resilient efforts for their respective teams.
While everyone has been doing their best to out-perform each other, there are some names who have struggled to impress despite high expectations from their teams and supporters. As the intensity and tempo increased, some have found themselves fumbling to find their form.
Read on to see which players have failed to impress so far this season:
#5 Michael Chopra
Michael Chopra might still be hoping to represent the Indian national team at 35, but anyone who has followed the ISL this year will know better. After a disappointing first season where he was criticised for his lack of fitness, Chopra returned to Kerala Blasters this season and even did early pre-season training with DSK Shivajians to work on his ankle injury and fitness this time around.
However, despite his tall claims, his performances for Kerala have been underwhelming once again. Playing just behind the striker, Chopra has spent far too much time in his own half facing his own goal. His lack of speed has also proved to be a crucial weakness for his team as opponents have found it easy to pick them apart along the flanks and on the counter. It’s fortunate that CK Vineeth is back from his duties with FC Bengaluru as Chopra can now occupy the bench where he belongs.
#4 Lucio
Lucio’s role in FC Goa’s central defence last season cannot be undermined. As their marquee player and captain, the Brazilian was responsible for directing his backline while the team focused on fast counterattacking football. In fact, his solidity in defence was key to why they were able to reach the final of the ISL last season.
The fortunes of both FC Goa and Lucio have been vastly different to those of last year. The World Cup winner may have been retained as Goa’s marquee player but he has seen his playing time cut down considerably. With injury concerns and signs that age is finally catching up with the 38-year-old, his impact on the team’s performance has diminished visibly and Zico’s men seem to be suffering as a result.
After six defeats from 10 games, Lucio has failed to impress in ISL 2016 so far.
#3 John Arne Riise
Chennaiyin FC’s Champions League winning marquee player John Arne Riise hasn’t quite proved his defensive mettle so far this season. Last season, he led Delhi Dynamos to a semi-final berth last season, the fate of the Chennai side this year is far from certain. With just three clean sheets for the team, Riise hasn’t commanded the defence the way he was expected to. Rather, just a few days ago, he completely switched off as Kerala Blasters built up to score a wonderful team goal.
With Riise in the side, Chennai was touted to be a strong defensive side but they have looked like a leaky cauldron instead.
#2 Tiri
Jose Arroyo, or as he’s better known, Tiri, signed for Atletico de Kolkata from parent club Atletico Madrid last season and in his 13 appearances, helped the team reach the semi-finals. He developed a sturdy partnership with Arnab Mondal in central defence but that form has not been replicated so far this year.
Tiri who is part of the significant Spanish contingent in ATK has made only five appearances and they haven’t always resulted in the best outcomes. The Kolkata outfit has won only twice when Tiri has been involved keeping just one clean sheet. Tiri’s poor form has directly affected ATK’s defensive record which had been pretty impressive until now.
#1 Jackichand Singh
Jackichand Singh took Indian football by storm when he helped Royal Wahingdoh win the second division and lead them to a third-place finish in the I-League the next year in 2015. After being awarded Player of the Tournament that year, he was sure to be a hit for FC Pune City last ISL but it wasn’t meant to be. He scored the second fastest goal of the ISL against ATK but that was pretty much it for him. However, to Singh’s credit, his entire team struggled with scoring goals last season.
This year may have been different in a new team alongside marquee player Diego Forlan in Mumbai City but the Indian international hasn’t shown signs of what he is capable of yet. He’s appeared in just six of his team’s ten games and even though he helped them to a victory against Northeast United, his potential is yet to flourish.
While supporters are waiting for him to display his stunning speed and creativity on the pitch, the player from Manipur appears sluggish and uninspired.
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