ISL 2020-21: 5 overseas players to watch out for

3) Aridane Santana (Hyderabad FC)

The signing of Aridane Santana has been a clear sign of intent from ISL side Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC’s first-ever season in the ISL ended in a washout. It began with a string of losses followed by several changes in management, leaving the club at the bottom of the table with just two wins in their first season. In addition to this, the Brazilian duo of Bobo and Marcelinho, who had accounted for 12 of the 21 goals the previous season also decided to move on to seemingly better footballing pastures.

The signing of Aridane Santana has been a clear sign of intent from coach Manolo Marquez. Having made his debut with Odisha FC last season, the Spaniard smashed nine goals in just fourteen appearances, thereby establishing that he does indeed have a knack for scoring goals.

Given the fact that Hyderabad FC managed a paltry 21 goals last season, Santana’s signing could very well prove to be the shot in the arm for Marquez’s men.

4) Ahmed Jahouh (Mumbai City FC)

Ahmed Jahouh became the first Moroccan to play in the ISL

Having become the first Moroccan to play in the ISL, Ahmed Jahouh was quite literally the heartbeat of the FC Goa midfield. This season, however, the 32-year-old has made a rather high-profile move to Mumbai City FC, following in the footsteps of his FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera.

Jahouh finished the 2019-20 campaign with 1279 passes in the 17 matches that he played in, a record in the ISL. In addition to that, Jahouh also accounted for 182 tackles and 57 interceptions, something that attests to his attributes as a hardworking and industrious midfielder.

A source affiliated with the club stated:

“The City Football Group believes that Ahmed Jahouh is an important player for Lobera’s system and that’s why they agreed to break the bank for him."

5) Steven Taylor (Odisha FC)

Steven Taylor will play a big role for Odisha FC in the ISL

In the years before he left Newcastle United, Steven Taylor was a name synonymous with the Magpies’ defensive unit. A regular starter in the team, Taylor is somewhat of a living legend in the Northeast before making the move to Australia, a place where he found considerable success.

The 34-year-old’s defensive prowess is beyond question. For someone who is good in the air and can play the long ball forward, Taylor’s credentials certainly do not need any reinforcement. However, for Stuart Baxter, it will be Taylor’s leadership skills that come into question as he aims to pick a suitable captain.

Speaking about his move to the ISL, the former Newcastle United man said:

“I am very happy to be working under Stuart once again and can’t wait to meet all the young Indian lads. I hope I can help the lads push on and in turn egg the team on towards the play-off spots.”