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Several big names with a lot experience have played in the Indian Super League since its inception last season, but only a few have made their mark. While the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Nicolas Anelka disappointed last season, Elano Blumer and Luis Garcia quickly made an impact. The second edition of the Indian Super League is near the halfway mark, and we take a look at the five signings who came in with a lot of promise but have struggled to make an impact.
#1 Fikru Teferra - Chennaiyin FC
The controversial striker made a name for himself in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League after scoring in his debut game against Mumbai City FC. The 29-year-old scored 5 goals last season helping Atletico de Kolkata reach the semi-finals, but he didn’t participate in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
He garnered a lot of hype last season after his initial few performances, but was very average in most of the games. His poor attitude on and off the pitch also didn’t help his cause and was also banned for headbutting Gregory Arnolin in the game against FC Goa. He was also involved in a clash with his teammate Yakub Podany during the tournament last season.
Atletico de Kolkata opted not to retain him this season and he signed for Chennaiyin FC along with goalkeeper Apoula Edel. The decision proved to be right for Atletico de Kolkata as the Ethiopian striker is yet to score a goal this season.
#2 Baljit Sahni - Atletico de Kolkata
Indian international Baljit Sahni, who has made three appearances for the national team, features regularly for Atletico de Kolkata. But he has done very little to justify his place in the starting XI.
The 28-year-old winger scored two goals last season and is yet to score a goal this season. Sahni, who has played for East Bengal and JCT in the I-League, is an established footballer in the Indian scene and a lot more is expected from the winger.
Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas has regularly put his faith in Baljit, but his poor passing and crossing skills is easy to see. The lack of competition for places in the Atletico starting XI also helps Baljit’s cause, who was retained by the defending champions despite better quality players being available in the auction. One must wonder why the Atletico management did not opt for an upgrade.
#3 Chris Dagnall - Kerala Blasters
The Merseyside-born striker and youth product of Tranmere Rovers was signed by Kerala Blasters this season by Peter Taylor and the lack of goals cost Taylor his job mid-season. A lot was expected from Dagnall, who has featured for teams like Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United, Barnsley, Bradford City, Coventry City and League One side Leyton Orient last season. But he has failed to produce the goals for last season’s runners-up.
Dagnall has scored just one goal this season, with his side sitting at the bottom of the league standings having lost 4 out of 7 games. Despite some decent support from his teammates on the pitch, Dagnall’s poor first touch has not helped him and his team. He has taken a lot of shots on goal but has scored just the one goal.
#4 Francis Fernandes - Delhi Dynamos
The Goa-born winger and youth product of Vasco SC plays for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League and is another name who has not justified his berth in the starting XI. A lot more is expected from the 29-year-old winger who won the I-league and Federation Cup in 2011 with Salgaocar.
He has also played for Dempo in the I-league. Fernandes also won the SAFF Cup 2011 & Nehru Cup 2012 with India, and also won the FPAI fans player of the year award in 2012.
He was regular in the Delhi Dynamos team last season, but failed to score a single goal throughout the campaign and provided just three assists. Under new boss Roberto Carlos, he has made three appearances this season failing to register a single goal or assist.
#5 Silas - NorthEast United
Silas comes in with a lot of European football experience. He has played under Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and the 39-year-old also spent a season at Wolverhampton Wanderers, who used to play in the Premier League back then. He has also featured for the Portugal national side, and a lot was expected from him when NorthEast United signed him this season.
But it really looks like he is well past it now and is clearly struggling to make an impact. Silas has registered just one assist for his side and has failed to score a single goal.
He has made five appearances for the Highlanders and has done very little to justify Cesar Farias’s faith in him. NorthEast United are struggling this season and a lot of blame can be placed on Silas for his disappointing performances.
