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The ISL has seen its fair share of top foreign entities plying their trade for the county's elite tournament. On the flip side, there have been some signings from around the globe which came on board with a lot of promise but failed to deliver the needful.
The clubs rather overestimated some players' qualities before taking them on board and then had to retrospect on their bad judgement call. In this segment, we will discuss not the worst or the flops of the Indian Super League but five players who were the most overrated in the league's history:
#1 Robbie Keane
This might not go down well with the ATK supporters but their star attraction and captain this season, Robbie Keane was not a striker that many hoped that he was. Keane has been known for his leadership qualities and his eye for goal -- and has been a brilliant servant for the Irish national team.
But at the end, Keane has always been just a decent enough striker, not even borderline world class. He failed to make his mark at Liverpool and Inter Milan with his best ever spell in terms of goals scored coming in the MLS for LA Galaxy.
Even during his first six-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur, Keane was not the club's first choice forward for a number of seasons. Though Keane has been playing at the highest level for so long, he can be adjudged as a player who has been overestimated by many when the fact is that the 37-year-old has often under-delivered.
#2 Adrian Mutu
When a player signs up for a relatively new league in 2015 after having spells with Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan, you ought to believe that this player would come good for the club. Adrian Mutu was a talented striker throughout his career but he never reached his true potential.
The Romanian was criticised for his poor work rate and for having a hot head. He was twice banned for doping-related issues and had to be sacked by Chelsea for taking banned substances.
He played as the second striker or the lone striker and scored four goals during his stay in India. Though his stint in the ISL cannot be termed as a total disaster, FC Pune City could have managed to sign a better marque player than Adrian Mutu.
#3 Fikru Teferra
Ethiopian striker Fikru Teferra is considered as one of the most controversial figures ever to play in the ISL. Playing for ATK in the first season, Fikru scored in his first-ever appearance against Mumbai City FC.
He scored five goals in the season but for the majority of the matches, Fikru was criticised for his wastefulness on the ball and his short temper. Against FC Goa, he headbutted Gregory Arnolin and was subsequently banned for his actions. Fikru was also involved in a fight with Yakub Podany, his own teammate in the first season.
The striker was not retained by the champions and was later signed by Chennaiyin FC. He could not have a positive impact for the Super Machans as he remained a player who divided opinions like no other in the ISL history.
#4 Michael Chopra
When signed by the Kerala Blasters for season three, Chopra had once said, "Last time I underestimated ISL, I underestimated India's football," whereas the matter of fact is that the English striker of Indian origin was simply not at the levels required from a foreign signing.
He was signed by the Blasters for the inaugural season too but turned out to be a flop. Season 3 was also a competition to forget for the Newcastle United academy man as he scored just one goal in nine games.
Overall, Chopra played 19 games in the ISL and scored just one goal, making him one of the most overrated and the biggest flops to ever play in the league.
#5 Silas
After playing under Jose Mourinho and in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Silas arrived in the ISL with a huge reputation. The midfielder was looked upon as the player to watch out for in the NorthEast United squad.
He was expected to play a big role for the Highlanders but failed to create the desired impact. In reality, Silas was a player who was past his prime and one who could not be entrusted to boss around the midfield. Signing him turned out to be an error for NorthEast as Silas turned out to be their most overrated foreign signing.
