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The fourth edition of Indian Super League will witness the battle of India’s 10 most professional football clubs. With two more teams added to the roster, the ISL promises an exceptional experience for the fans this coming season.
In the process, the league will also enjoy an extended schedule of five months and the teams have been forced to bring the best into their armory to get ready to brawl.
All teams were in the hunt to sign the best players they could afford, and Kerala Blasters have been no exception. The Kochi-based outfit were also on the lookout to recruit the fine talents with extreme potential and huge experience.
The team under the helm of Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen have done an admirable job in Indian market by adding young talents to their crew along with a few of the experienced Indian men in the domestic draft.
After their significant outlay in the foreign market so far, their team is now blessed with former Manchester United players like Paul Rachubka, Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown. Not only has Meulensteen brought the team experience but also potential with the inclusion of players like Mark Sifneos, Courage Pekuson and Nemanja Lakic Pesic.
The club have already set their team up for the 2017-18 ISL but still, require a player who can dominate play in the heart of the midfield. If news from reports and sources is to be believed, they’re on the verge of a finding a player who could.
Let’s take a look at four foreign players who could provide them what they desire.
#4 – Didier Boris Kadio
The Ivorian defensive midfielder who made his mark in ISL with Kerala Blasters can be the one who could the dominate the game in middle of the pitch for the 'Yellow Army'
The 27-year-old played an instrumental role for Kerala Blasters last season under now Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell. Kadio performed with great maturity both in defense and midfield.
The versatile holding midfielder also pocketed a super back-heel goal for the Blasters in ISL-3. The ‘General’, who made a fine impact on Kerala Blasters, would be a great asset if he comes back.
#3 Azrack Mahamat
Termed as the “Unsung Hero” of Kerala Blasters last season, Azrack Mahamat, along with Mehtab Hossian, ruled the midfield for the Men in Yellow last season.
This hardworking Chadian international was in command for Kerala Blasters in midfield. Azrack, who was there to distribute the ball to attackers and to reclaim possession, held together Kerala Blasters’ play.
The 29-year-old, who is a free agent now, could make a move if Kochi-based outfit are willing to make him their final foreign addition.
#2 Stephen Pearson
Stephen Pearson should be a familiar name for the fans of Kerala Blasters. Pearson, who was in Kerala Blasters’ arsenal in the inaugural season, gave them some great show of football.
The Scot appeared for Kerala Blasters in 17 games and scored one goal during his time with the club in 2014. He scored a fantastic goal against Chennayin FC in the dying stages of the game which ensured them a spot in the final of ISL-1.
After his successful stint at Kerala, Pearson played for Motherwell and then made a return to ISL to play for Kerala Blasters’ arch-rivals Atletico de Kolkata.
Pearson mastered the midfield of Atletico de Kolkata, helping them win the ISL for the second instance.
Inventive Sports CEO Baljit Rihal, who has a strong link with Kerala Blasters management and helped them sign quite a few players, visited Stephen Pearson at Soccerex and this has brought about rumours regarding his return to the Blasters fold.
#1 Larnell Cole
His must be a new name for Kerala Blasters, but Larnell Cole is a Manchester United youth academy graduate.
Cole began his career with Manchester United and was a consistent performer in the club’s youth teams. Having spent three years at Old Trafford, he made only one senior appearance. He then switched to Fulham and played under Rene Muelensteen, with whom he had contacts at Manchester United.
His connection with Muelensteen makes him the favorite player for Kerala Blasters to sign, keeping in mind the way Kerala Blasters signed other players through Meulensteen's connections from his time at the elite clubs.
This 24-year-old has got some quick pace and creative mind. Cole, who also has experience of playing in the Scottish top tier and English third tier, could bolster Kerala Blasters midfield considerably.
