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The forthcoming edition of Indian Super League is all set to kick-start its new edition as Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata will go head-to-head, giving perfect start to the renewed campaign.
Indian Super League will be a five month tournament this time and the winner will be awarded with an AFC Cup spot. With the number of participant teams increased into ten, Indian Super League will be a more compact battle.
Teams were forced to reshuffle their squad, to bring equilibrium with the new entrants. Teams have already reassembled their crew and even the former high-profile recruitments were expelled from the team.
With regard to their performance in the recent edition, Sportskeeda is alphabetizing the list of players ISL fans will miss the most.
#10 Nicolas Velez
The 27-year-old Argentinian striker Nicolas Velez was one of the best performers of Indian Super League. The Riverplate academy product featured alongside Emiliano Alfaro and produced some fine performance.
The attacker, hailing from Buenos Aires featured in 14 games for the North East United in the second edition and scored on 5 instances. He was the top goal scorer of the club at that season.
The service of the River Plate Academy product was retained for the third edition. Akin to what he did the previous time, Nico Velez was a threat for defenders and his quick pace and crossing abilities make him difficult for the defenders to thwart.
#9 Bernard Mendy
The 36-year-old former Paris Saint Germain defender Bernard Mendy was a perpetual presence in Indian Super League since its inception.
The versatile defender guarded the defence of Chennaiyin for three seasons and was an integral presence in their play. Mendy is well known for his blistering pace and overlapping runs, which made him one of the lethal defenders of Indian Super League.
The former Hull City defender made 35 appearances for the 'Marina Machans' and scored five goals. The most threatening defender of Indian Super League, Bernard Mendy can ply his trade anywhere in the defence.
The lack of Mendy in its new, revived edition will be a question Chennaiyin will have to overcome and they strongly believe that Inigo Calderon could replace him.
#8 Josu Currais
Josu Currais is a product of renowned La Masia academy. Once claimed as the best at La Masia, the 24-year-old Spanish defender roots among the most beloved players of Indian Super League.
The versatile midfielder featured for Kerala Blasters in two seasons and was one of the consistent performers of Indian Super League. Josu made 25 appearances for the 'Yellow Army' and scored two goals.
The talented player plied his trade in midfield on the second edition, while Steve Coppell in the third edition used to deploy the service of the Spaniard as a left back.
His presence in the left wing has helped Kerala Blasters create fatal moves from the wings and undoubtedly helped Kerala Blasters defend overlaps.
#7 Javi Lara
The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder was a prime menace for the defenders in the league.Cordoba FC's product was instrumental for the brilliant performance ATK have played.
Javil Lara tamed the game and dominated it from the central midfield, helping ATK create chances. The former Eiber player featured in 23 games for the Kolkata based franchise and have scored on four instances.
A peril to the defenders, Lara's quick and alluring game has demolished defences. Lara is well known for his long-range goals and set-pieces.
While Lara was there to route the ATK midfield, they were invincible. ATK have replaced the services of Lara with Baker, but then his play will remain in the heart of ATK fans.
#6 Cedric Hengbart
The 37-year-old French defender, Cedric Hengbart was one among the few dependable defenders ISL had witnessed.
The former Auxerre defender was in the league since its inception but plied his trade for two teams: Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United.
An ideal of Kerala Blasters faithful, Cedric did warden the Kerala Blasters defence in the inaugural season. Featured in 11 games, Hengbart was stubborn at the back and have helped them reach the finals of the inaugural edition.
Hengbart then featured for the Highlanders, NorthEast United in the second edition, though, they failed to reach the finals, he performed well.
The French man made a comeback to Kerala Blasters in the third season, and he did what he was appointed to. He along with Hughes thwarted every incoming attack and the duo seemed too vital in Kerala Blasters journey.
#5 Helder Postiga
The former Portuguese International, Helder Postiga lists among the top players ISL will miss.
Winner of Indian Super League with ATK, the former Valencia star was not much integral for the Kolkata based team in the second edition. Due to injuries, he missed almost all games, featuring in barely 1 game, but have scored on two instances.
But in the third edition, Postiga furnished ATK with some world-class performance and stood up front to captain Jose Molina's side. Once having played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Helder rapidly gelled up with Iain Hume. The Portuguese veteran made 11 appearances and scored twice.
ATK have signed Robbie Keane as Postiga's replacement and are certain that he could succeed what once Helder did.
#4 Sony Norde
The Haitian International Sony Norde stands among the best midfielders ISL have ever witnessed. The 28-year-old Mohun Bagan star plied his trade for Mumbai City FC in the league.
Sony Norde was a regular threat for the defenders in the wings. His quick pace, ability to create blitz makes him the best midfielder in the business.
He incorporation with Diego Forlan brought indomitable spirit among Mumbai City players. His rapid movements along the wing and Forlan's unquestionable talent were put together by Guimares which helped them become lethal and ruthless when attacking.
#3 Aaron Hughes
The former Northern Ireland International was the marquee signing of Kerala Blasters in the third edition. The 37-year-old defender stood solid at the back. The pairing of Hughes with Hengbart was a reliable one for Kerala Blasters.
The Northern Ireland stalwart played in 11 games for Kerala Blasters and scored 1. Hughes experience not only helped Kerala Blasters qualify into the finals but also helped Indian players like Sandesh Jhingan to become more advanced in play.
The defender also went to attack, when required. He was a rattling presence for the defenders when he go attack. His denying a Sony Norde shot off the line stands tall among his most memorable moments.
#2 Diego Forlan
The Uruguayan legend was the marquee signing of Mumbai City in the third edition of India's most popular football league.
The 38-year-old star, who once played for the likes of Manchester United performed well for Mumbai City FC. Forlan reminded his past as he displayed some alluring game for Mumbai based franchise. He netted five times from just 11 games for them.
His most inspiring game was against Kerala Blasters. He performed just like what he did years before at Old Trafford. The attacker scored a hat-trick for Mumbai City, helping them trounce Kerala Blasters.
#1 Florent Malouda
The former Chelsea star, Florent Malouda ranks at the top among those to be missed this time.The 37-year-old performed brilliantly and astonishingly for the team from the capital.Their marquee for two seasons, Malouda captained the 'Lions' and helped them display dazzling show.
Malouda reminded how insatiable he was once in the top flights of Europe. His ruthless approach towards the defenders helped Dynamos become the squad with the most lethal attackers. He alongside Marcelinho was a nightmare for the defences; they wrecked every stern and steady defence of the Indian Super League in 2016.
Malouda featured in 24 games for the Lions and scored on 3 instances. Although he missed a penalty in the semifinal shoot-out against Kerala Blasters, Malouda will remain as a hero in the hearts of millions of 'Lions'.
