ISL 2019-20: 5 Players to watch out for

Roy Krishna is one of the new foreign signings the fans should keep an eye on
Roy Krishna is one of the new foreign signings the fans should keep an eye on

The 2018-19 season of the Indian Super League saw some players which mesmerized the fans with their skills and innate abilities. Be it Manuel Lanzarote's free-kicks, Arnold Issoko's run down the wings, or Miku's knack of scoring goals, the fans were never bereft of high-profile action.

While the aforementioned foreigners will not be taking part in the 2019-20 season of ISL, their replacements have enough firepower to steer their teams to victory. But, it is not only the foreign players which light up the scene in ISL.

Since the inception of the tournament in 2014, a lot of Indian players have also proved their mettle in the big stage. The last season saw the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Rahul Bheke, Brandon Fernandes, and Mandar Rao Desai gain their way into the national team setup with their brilliant performances.

Regardless of the nationality, there is no dearth of quality players in the ISL. On that note, here are 5 players to watch out for in ISL 2019-20 season.


#5 Carl McHugh (ATK)

Carl McHugh has signed a three-year contract with ATK
Carl McHugh has signed a three-year contract with ATK

ATK's high-profile movement in the transfer window started with the acquisition of Republic of Ireland defender Carl McHugh. The 26-year-old made the move from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell fresh after making 82 appearances for them spanning over three years.

The ISL has seen a lot of foreign players come to India after a successful career in Europe in their twilight. But, McHugh's case is completely the opposite. He is still in his prime but took the road to India.

McHugh can play in the left-back, centre-back, and the central defensive midfield position.Having represented the Republic of Ireland internationally in age-group tournaments, McHugh was also a part of the Bradford City team that reached the finals of 2013 League Cup, becoming the first fourth-tier team in the last 40 years to do so.

With Indian internationals like Pritam Kotal and Anas Edathodika providing solidarity alongside seasoned veteran John Johnson, ATK's defensive problems look to be sorted with Carl McHugh.

#4 Asamoah Gyan (Northeast United)

Gyan is Ghana's most capped international player
Gyan is Ghana's most capped international player

Ghanian football legend Asamoah Gyan is another high-profile foreigner to make his way to India, having amassed 107 international appearances for their senior national team. The 33-year-old was even a part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad and missed the penalty against Uruguay in extra-time after Luis Suarez deliberately handled the ball.

Having represented the Black Stars in three World Cups and captaining them in one, NorthEast United has one of the most experienced foreign players on their ranks in this season of ISL.

Gyan also comes with the experience of having played in Asia. Having plied his trade in China and UAE and scoring goals for fun there, his trajectory took a downward path in the last two years while playing for Turkey.

Gyan's last international appearance came against Tunisia in the Round of 16 of African Cup of Nations, where they got knocked out. In the final stages of his career, Gyan will love to make great memories in India before hanging his boots.

#3 Narender Gahlot (Jamshedpur FC)

Narender Gahlot became the first player born in the 21st century to score for India in an international game
Narender Gahlot became the first player born in the 21st century to score for India in an international game

After missing out on the 2017 FIFA World Cup due to an injury, Narender Gehlot made his senior team debut in the Hero Intercontinental Cup. While his inexperience was evident in the outing against Tajikistan, he has grown in stature and gave India the lead in their final group stage match against Syria.

Having also been a part of the India U-18 team that recently clinched the SAFF U-18 Championships, Narender is touted to be one of the rising defenders of the country. He will also be a part of the India U-19 team that will take part in the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers in November.

Narender can learn a lot of things from his stint in Jamshedpur FC partnering Tiri at the heart of the defence. They were very cautious in the back last season and might deploy the same tactic this year too.

#2 Anwar Ali (Jr.) (Mumbai City FC)

Anwar Ali (Jr.) played superbly in I-League for Indian Arrows
Anwar Ali (Jr.) played superbly in I-League for Indian Arrows

While Narender missed out on the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Anwar Ali (Jr.) was a part of the Indian defence which produced valiant efforts against superior oppositions. Donning the Mumbai City FC jersey, the Islanders can see him partnering former NorthEast United man Mato Grgic guarding the backline.

Ali has earned a call-up to the national team based on his meritorious performances but is yet to make his debut. Another trait of him which many would not be familiar with is his set-piece abilities.

Ali scored for India U-20 against Argentina U-20 in the COTIF Cup through his free-kick but hasn't made most of that weapon in his arsenal.

For the past two years, Ali has been a vital cog of the Indian Arrows team. This season, he will be eager to leave a mark in the ISL.

#1 Roy Krishna (ATK)

The ATK fans will put their money on Roy Krishna to score in the upcoming season of ISL
The ATK fans will put their money on Roy Krishna to score in the upcoming season of ISL

Just when everyone thought ATK was done with heavy signing in the transfer window by bringing on board the likes of Michael Soosairaj, Carl McHugh, Michael Regin, Salam Ranjan Singh, and Dheeraj Singh, they announced the arrival of Roy Krishna. The Fijian was the highest goalscorer in A-League the previous season and ATK signed him as their marquee player.

At 32, Krishna will also have the services of Dario Vidosic and David Williams, his former Wellington Phoenix teammates, in ISL. The trio can be menacing and a thorn in the flesh for the opposition defenders.

Krishna is coming to India after spending seven years in A-League, one of the most competitive leagues in Asia. There hasn't been a striker of his stature in ISL so far and Krishna knows the burden of expectations on him.

Quick Links

Edited by Sai Teja