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In 2014, when the Indian Super League started, the league had a ‘marquee player’ rule. The rule continued in the second and third seasons. In the fourth edition, the marquee player rule was scrapped. Most clubs awoke to financial realities and extravagance made way for pragmatism. There was a shift in approach and clubs started to invest smartly.
In the league's fourth season, unknown entities like Ferran Corominas, Manuel Lanzarote, Miku, and Ahmed Jahou rose to prominence; best examples of shrewd foreign signings and perfect for the Indian Super League.
Here is a pick of seven foreign recruits who have the potential to make a huge difference in the fifth edition of the Indian Super League:
Mourtada Fall - FC Goa
FC Goa scored the most number of goals in the league last season – 42, but their defense proved to be their Achilles heel.
The 30-year-old Senegalese will be expected to shore up a leaky defense, which conceded goals galore last season.
Head coach, Sergio Lobera, was all praise for his new signing. "Fall is a powerful centre-back and is physically very strong. He is an excellent player who will suit our system of playing the ball out of defense," he said.
The Senegalese defender won the Moroccan League twice and the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League once, all with Wydad. Fall has also represented his national team, Senegal, on three occasions.
The 6ft 3in African is a great addition to Sergio Lobera's team and will provide much-needed strength and aerial presence in the Gaurs’ backline.
Paulo Machado – Mumbai City FC
![Paulo Machado (front) shields the ball against Sergio Cidoncha (back) of Jamshedpur FC [Credits: ISL]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/7a9de-15385626209426-800.jpg)
The 32-year-old Portuguese International will be expected to fortify the Islanders' midfield and pull the strings in the middle of the park.
The Porto youth product spent five years with the club’s senior squad before moving on to play for the likes of Saint-Etienne, Toulouse, Olympiacos and Dinamo Zagreb. Adding to his exploits at the club level, Machado has also earned six caps for the Portugal national squad.
“Paulo has been a household name in top-level Portuguese and European football. He brings with him years of experience and a winning mentality,” Costa said about the new signing.
It will be interesting to see whether Head coach Jorge Costa can bring the best out of him at Mumbai City FC.
Bartholomew Ogbeche - NorthEast United FC
After a dismal 2017-18 campaign, the Highlanders have completely revamped their squad for the new season. To help ease their goal-scoring woes NEUFC have added Ogbeche to their roster.
The Nigerian started his career with PSG and then went on to play for the likes of SC Bastia, FC Metz, Middlesbrough, and Valladolid. His latest stint with Willem II in the Dutch Eredivisie proved to be productive, notching up an impressive tally of 10 goals in 20 appearances.
The 34-year-old Nigerian has turned out for his country 11 times and was also part of the 2002 World Cup. The Highlanders will be hoping the forward can bang in the goals, with the club scoring the least goals last time around.
Modou Sougou – Mumbai City FC
Another of Jorge Costa’s signings, the pair will once again be reunited at Mumbai City FC after their successful association at Romanian Liga 1 club CFR Cluj. The duo was also together at Academica in Portugal.
The Senegalese has spent most of his career in Portugal and France with a move to French giants, Marseille being the highlight of his career. He also has 12 caps under his name for the Senegal national team.
Mumbai coach Jorge Costa said, “He has shown his quality in the best leagues in the world and he has the speed and talent our team needs."
Much is expected from the former Marseille winger and he will undoubtedly be the team’s focal point in attack both as a creative presence and as a goal scorer.
Blessed with pace, intelligence of movement and finishing, Sougou has all the qualities of a bonafide matchwinner.
Andrea Orlandi – Chennaiyin FC
The attacking midfielder will be a key figure for Chennaiyin this season.
Orlandi began his career at Alaves before going to on loan to FC Barcelona where he made one senior appearance and played several games for the Barcelona B side.
Following that, he moved to Swansea City where he helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. He also had stints with Blackpool and Brighton & Hove Albion in England.
The 34-year-old was last playing for Italian Serie B side Novara.
After the departure of Jamie Gavilan and Rene Mihelič, the Spanish midfielder is expected to take over the creative duties for Chennaiyin FC. His versatility and creativity across the midfield will be vital as Chennaiyin look to defend their title.
Matts Mills - Pune City FC
Pune City FC made a shrewd acquisition in English centre-back, Matthew Mills for the 2018-19 season.
The 33-year-old played in a variety of clubs in England, mostly in the English second division. The high point came in 2006 when he signed a contract with Manchester City and made his debut against Chelsea.
After securing his services, Head coach Miguel Angel Portugal said, “Matthew is a player of great caliber and with his experience, he adds a lot of value to our defensive line. He will bring a lot of leadership in our backline and add to our strength.”
His pairing with Gurtez Singh at the heart of Pune‘s defense will be crucial if the club wishes to climb new heights.
Matej Poplatnik – Kerala Blasters
The former Slovenian U23 International could be the bargain buy of the season.
Playing for Slovenian top-tier side Triglav Kranj, Poplatnik has scored 76 goals in 172 appearances since 2012. After a short stint in Bulgaria, he returned to the club in 2016 and notched up an impressive tally of 45 goals in 68 appearances for the club in the next two seasons. He was also the third highest scorer in the league last season
The departure of Iain Hume has left a huge void up front and it would be tough to replace the club’s all-time top goalscorer.
However, the Slovenian could prove to be an able replacement as he boasts an impressive goals-per-game ratio in his professional career.
