ISL 2016, Marquee Player watch: Ranking the 8 top signings after a month of footballing action

The race to be Hero ISL champions is heating up after one month of nonstop action

The Indian Super League completed one month of action in its third edition and as expected, fireworks were seen in every venue of the match on the field. Along with luring big names for this season, talented young Indian players have come into the reckoning and done well in the first month of the campaign. A tight race is expected as usual for the top four spots with all the teams still in the race to reach the knockout stages.

Coming to the marquee players of each team, Kolkata's Helder Postiga and Mumbai City's Diego Forlan lead the way as the duo have emerged as crucial cogs in their team. All the marquee signings for their respective clubs seem to have settled in quite well as the tournament now comes down to its business end.

A majority of the marquees have done a remarkable job for their team while some have struggled to put in a real shift, as the first month had a tremendous fixture congestion which might have been too much for some. Let's take a look at how each of the marquee signings have done for their respective clubs and rank them performance wise :

#8 Lucio (FC Goa)

The World Cup winner is experiencing a torrid time with the Gaurs

The Brazilian veteran has played five matches for the Gaurs this season but has not looked at his usual best. In the first game against NorthEast, Goa's captain started the game well but faded with his age showing in the proceedings as he was slow at times to pick up the opposition's movements. In two games, Lucio was brought on as a substitute and couldn't muster more than ten minutes in the game.

His individual best game came against Pune City though Goa lost that game 2-1. Lucio was exceptional in that game as he was brilliant in the air and also made some important tackles. Goa's only win against Mumbai City came when Lucio was out with a slight injury which speaks volumes of his current form.


#7 John Arne Riise (Chennaiyin FC)

John Arne Riise has failed to replicate his form from last season

Riise made a switch to the champions for the current season as the Super Machans announced the former Liverpool left-back as their marquee player. The Norwegian though has not hit the ground running as expected with the veteran playing just four out of six games for Chennaiyin. He started the first game against Kolkata but was guilty of conceding possession and committing unnecessary errors in the first game.

He was run ragged in the 3-1 loss to his former side Delhi as the Dynamos' front line took advantage of Riise's lack of pace. He was brilliant against FC Pune City as he negated the aerial threat of Dramane Traore very well. A decent showing in the game against FC Goa was however followed by being benched against NorthEast and Kerala Blasters.

#6 Florence Malouda (Delhi Dynamos)

The former Chelsea winger has failed to replicate his last season’s exploits

The former Chelsea man had a wonderful last season as he provided eight assists to his teammates. But his great form seems to have been lost somewhere as Malouda is struggling to create any sort of impact on Delhi's attack this season.

The Dynamos have been the most entertaining team going forward this season yet Malouda, playing in a no.10 role, is looking like a shadow of his former self. Though he is showing leadership qualities and immense work rate, his contribution in the final third has been poor.


#5 Didier Zokora - NorthEast United

Zokora has marshalled his troops well for his new team

For a side which conceded 23 goals last season, Nelo Vinguda, the North East manager had a huge task at his hand to sort out his side's defensive frailties. The Portuguese has done beautifully as the Highlanders have established themselves as the team with one of the best defence this season. North East have conceded just five goals this season in seven games and the credit must go to the new signings of Didier Zokora, Gustavo Lazzaretti and Mailson Alves.

The marquee player, Zokora, formerly of FC Pune City has done a tremendous job as a leader with the experienced player doing his job well this campaign. Zokora has played every match for the Highlanders this season and is the most vocal of all the captains in this season. His ball playing abilities as a centre back and his no-nonsense approach has made him a favourite of the Guwahati crowd.

#4 Helder Postiga (Atletico de Kolkata)

The Portuguese has been class whenever he has taken the field for Kolkata

Injuries have curtailed yet another season for the Portuguese as the striker has failed to play on a regular basis. But the forward has looked like a real deal whenever he has played as his arrival brought a sense of urgency in Kolkata's attacks. Along with Iain Hume, Javi Lara and Sameehg Doutie, ATK's attack can be said to be one of the best in the league which is showing in their current standing in the table as they sit on top.

Postiga has one goal and one assist to his name this season whilst playing a meagre 125 minutes. If he remains fit for the remainder of the campaign, Postiga can do wonders in ISL.


#3 Mohammed Sissoko (FC Pune City)

Sissoko has been a strong presence in Pune City’s midfield

Apart from the game against Chennaiyin FC, Sissoko has had a stellar season in which he has established himself as Pune's best player. The Malian has proved his worth this season playing in his favoured defensive midfield position with the 31-year-old doing the job perfectly. He also has the highest number of tackles this season (31) and also scored a crucial equaliser against Kerala.

He is making things happen for Pune in a disappointing campaign so far for the Stallions as the same old problems of a lack of goals are hampering Pune's chances to challenge for the top spots. Sissoko's influence has brought a solid and a more robust look to their midfield with the former Liverpool man garnering rave reviews this season.

#2 Aaron Hughes (Kerala Blasters)

Hughes has done a tremendous job in Kerala’s resolute defence

The defender who has played over 450 matches in the Premier League and has not received a red card yet in his professional career, and arrived with a huge expectation as the marquee player for the Blasters. The experienced centre-back has not disappointed one bit as the Northern Ireland man has put in impressive performances week in week out for the Blasters.

Kerala have struggled offensively but has established themselves as one of the best defences in the league with a major credit going to Hughes. Though he missed two matches due to international duties, Hughes is right up there on top of the chart for the most clearances. His aerial ability and knowledge of the game is going to prove handy if Kerala wants to qualify for the semifinals.


#1 Diego Forlan (Mumbai City FC)

Diego Forlan has had a brilliant start to his ISL career

Arguably the biggest player to play in the ISL, Forlan took some time to adjust to the needs of the game played in India but is now producing splendid results for the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned side. The Uruguayan who won the Golden Boot in the 2010 World Cup is proving to be a major factor in Mumbai's change of fortunes this season as the Blues sit second on the table just one point behind ATK.

Scoring the winners for Mumbai in the games against Kolkata and North East, Forlan has established himself as a crucial player alongside Kristian Vadocz and Matias Defederico. With the returning Sunil Chhetri, the duo of Forlan and Chhetri might take Mumbai to the ISL crown this season.

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Edited by Staff Editor