5 worst ISL marquee signings

Indian Super League (ISL) has successfully finished the fourth season. Over the years, ISL had brought many famous players into their roster. The motives behind the inclusion of those players were to attract the audience and to help the Indian youngsters.

ISL clubs spent huge amounts of money to bring them. However, not every ISL marquee signings were able to impress the football fraternity.

While some Marquee players took the team in their shoulders and helped them script records, many others failed to even contribute to their gameplay.

The incompetence of these marquee signings affected the clubs. The absence of a leader was visible in their performance and they stumbled down in the tables, failing to script their name in the record books.

In this article, we will take a look at five ISL marquee signings who failed to deliver what was expected.

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#5 Carlos Marchena

Kerala Blasters announced Carlos Marchena as their marquee player for the Second season. The versatile defender from Spain had previously played for the likes of Valencia, Sevilla, Villareal etc.

Productive when plied as a Central defender or a Defensive midfielder, it was hoped he'd act as their defensive mainstay. He missed the first part of the season due to injury but returned back to the squad only to feature in a game, where he was ineffective.

A pre-season injury troubled his game. He was well past his prime, and there was no debate. What expected from him was how he could inspire the crew and intervene himself in their gameplay.

The trend to go for famed names than the well fit players defined KBFC's tragedy.

Kerala Blasters released him and the unstable crew tumbled down that season as they finished at the bottom of the table.

#4 Freddie Ljungberg

Ljungberg only managed four appearances with Mumbai City FC

In the inaugural edition of Indian Super League, Freddie Ljungberg was the marquee player of Mumbai City FC. A lot was expected from Ljungberg, who has vast experience playing for some top European clubs. He was a part of the Invincible Arsenal and was a vital cog in their crew from 1998-2007.

Contrary to the expectations, the winger failed to deliver the football fans with some impressive football. He managed to make only four appearances for the Maharashtra-outfit. The curse of injury forced him to make an exit from the league soon.

Honestly, Ljungberg wasn't fit to play in the ISL. He wasn't physically fit. He wasn't equipped to face the ISL challenges.

He was unaware of the ISL scenario. Whenever he played, it was visible. His style described the weakness that haunted him. The team had nothing to do there. Ljungberg was the one to be blamed.

#3 Joan Capdevila

Capdevila could not help the Highlanders

Former Atletico Madrid defender Joan Capdevila was the marquee player of the Highlanders in the inaugural season.

A regular in the Spanish national team during 2002-2011, Capdevila played the major part of his career in Spain and spent a year playing for Benefica.

Despite Capdevila featuring for the Highlanders in 12 games, he couldn't help them win games and Northeast endured a tragic campaign as they ended eighth in the table.

Capdevila was not quick in his play and was unable to match with the ingredients of both teammates and opponents. However, playing 12 games out of the 14 at the age of 36 is a testament to the longevity he had.

Capdevila was employed at the Central defence. He was slow, hence couldn't match with the pace of the opponents.

He never looked comfortable while defending and committed many unwanted errors. The presence of Miguel Garcia helped the Highlanders keep a defensive stability and that covered Capdevila's bloopers to an extent.

#2 Alessandro Del Piero

Del Piero only managed to score one goal for Delhi Dynamos

The Italian legend Del Piero, renowned for his inch-perfect freekick deliveries, was the marquee man of the club from the national capital. Before joining Delhi Dynamos, he had a great journey plying trade for Sydney FC.

The attacker scored 24 goals for them in 48 games and made a cut into Sydney FC's Team of the Decade and AFC team of the decade. So, expectations were high and he had enough quality teammates to support him as players like Hans Mulder were in the crew.

In spite of featuring 10 times for the Lions, Del Piero managed to score only a goal. Delhi Dynamos spent huge money to bring him, but his fitness didn't do justice. He failed to combine with his teammates and there was no chemistry between them.

However, the teammates weren't responsible for Del Piero's performance. They passed the ball to him many times, but the Italian legend failed to do the remaining. Del Piero couldn't even register an assist to his name.

#1 Dimitar Berbatov

Berbatov was played in the midfield by Meulensteen

After failing to defeat ATK in the finals of ISL 2016, Kerala Blasters came this season with a strong squad. They, however, didn't retain Steve Coppell and many other key players from the last season.

Former Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen took charge of the tuskers and former Manchester United forward and Bulgarian International Dimitar Berbatov was the marquee player of the Blasters this season.

Berbatov played nine games for Kerala Blasters this season and plied his trade as a midfielder. But, Berbatov failed to inspire his teammates and fans.

The lazy magician was lazy altogether. He was not an indispensable player in their crew. As KBFC sacked Rene Meulensteen, Berbatov's role got a demotion.

As we all know, Berbatov is a well-known forward. But, Meulensteen decided to play him in the midfield. He was inexperienced at that position, so was unable to dominate his opponents.

And, Berbatov was unable to find chemistry with his teammates. He was not pacey and was not an expert in delivering brilliant through-balls.

His incompetence at the midfield cost Blasters the game.