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As the Indian Super League prepares to kick off, the Delhi Dynamos are preparing to face last edition’s semi-finalists FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium with both teams will be looking to begin their respective campaigns with three points. The Dynamos, who are a completely rejuvenated side from last year, have changed their logo and kits for the upcoming season and roped in Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos as their manager.They have also brought in some exciting names to their squad while also retaining some of the key players from last season. We take a look at five players who are expected to make the maximum impact for the Lions and will be instrumental in deciding how the 2015 season will go for the team.
#1 Florent Malouda
We begin with the former French international Florent Malouda, a well-known name among football fans all over the world. He has amassed nearly 200 appearances for both Lyon in Ligue 1, where he won the league title for four years in a row, and Chelsea FC in the Premier League, where he won the FA Cup, the EPL title as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2012 in his six seasons for the Blues.
He has also won 80 caps for the French national side, scoring nine times, and was a pivotal player in his team’s runner-up finish in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He is known for his wonderful dribbling skills and a magical left foot. He possesses a powerful shot in his locker and will also look to serve as an inspiration and role model for his Delhi teammates, given his experience at the highest level.
Carlos will be looking to play him in a number 10 role or as a left-winger, where he can effectively use his guile and experience to contribute the most to his team’s cause. Former Chelsea teammate and club legend Didier Drogba had a special message for Malouda and wished him luck for the upcoming campaign. Here it is!
#2 John Arne Riise
After a Chelsea fan favourite, we have a Liverpool legend who will be looking to make a mark on the Super League this season. John Arne Riise brings with him a wealth of top-flight experience as he was a crucial member of Liverpool’s lineup for seven seasons, and made 339 appearances for the Reds, including the immortal 2005 Champions League final, where he missed from the spot in the shootout.
Also, he has played for top European teams such as AS Roma, AS Monaco, APOEL Nicosia and three more seasons in the Premier League for Fulham. He is also the highest capped Norwegian at international level with 110 caps for his country.
Riise is renowned for his rocket left foot, with which he has scored some truly remarkable goals from set-pieces and open play. He is an accomplished defender and can also be used as an effective attacking outlet with his marauding runs down the left flank – something that will surely please Roberto Carlos while choosing his starting lineup.
The Norwegian had stated in an interview that he had many other lucrative offers lined up in front of him, but he chose to come to India as he wanted to help develop the game in the country and contribute on a personal level. We would surely love to see a few of his trademark shots hit the back of the net in the coming weeks!
#3 Gustavo dos Santos
One of the shining stars of Delhi’s campaign last season, Gustavo dos Santos was retained by the franchise for the ISL’s second edition in early July this year, much to the delight of the fans. The 21-year old arrives on loan from his parent club Atletico Paranaense in the Brazilian top division and will look to repeat and even better his exploits from last season, where he shone for the team from the capital.
A winger with electric pace and a bag full of tricks, Dos Santos teased and tormented defenders with his cheeky nutmegs and sidesteps. He scored many crucial goals for the Dynamos last year and became an instant fan favourite. He came agonizingly close to taking Delhi to the semi-finals in the previous campaign when his shot in the dying minutes of the game away to Chennaiyin FC hit the post with the match tied at 2-2.
He will be looking to guide his team to the title this time around, and fans all over the country are expecting great things from this young and dynamic Brazilian, especially with Roberto Carlos in charge!
#4 Hans Mulder
After Dos Santos, we take a look at Delhi’s best player from the previous campaign – Hans Mulder. Starting as a defensive midfielder, Mulder impressed fans with his tenacity as well as his football skills as he led the Dynamos charge in the inaugural ISL season. In the absence of Alessandro del Piero, it was Mulder who was given the armband by Harm van Veldhoven.
He is returning to the ISL following a brief six-month stint in the Danish top division with FC Nordsjælland, where he made a total of eight appearances. For anyone who followed the Indian Super League last season, it was easy to see how Mulder was the Dynamos’ best player on the pitch in almost every game. He played in the centre of midfield and was the initiator of most attacks that the Delhi team got together.
He made some great tackles, he passed with great vision, he played his heart out in every game and also scored a few important goals, like the equalizer against Chennaiyin FC in the last league game for Delhi.
With players like Riise and Malouda by his side, Mulder will be looking to improve upon his performances and star for the Dynamos once again. He is the engine of the Delhi side and will have a big part to play if his team are to make a charge towards the title.
#5 Anas Edathodika
Last but not the least, we have the exciting prospect of Anas Edathodika in the centre of defence for the Dynamos. He started his professional career after joining second division Mumbai FC and led them to promotion in his very first season.
In 2011, he signed for Pune FC in the I-League and in his four seasons at the club, he has now become the captain of the side and has made 88 appearances in the process. He was signed by the Delhi Dynamos in the ISL auction for a price of Rs 41 lakhs and will be a great addition to the Delhi backline, given his experience and recent form.
He has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Kerala and will be looking to impress viewers with his performances and subsequently stake a claim for a place in the national side.
