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With 186 goals scored in the Indian Super League this season, the action in the tournament was plenty. There have been some great goals scored but what often caught the eye was the performance of the men who helped create those goals.The creative players have often not got the same attention as many others have had in the tournament, and in this segment, we look to recognize the five most creative players in the second season of the ISL.
#5 Reinaldo
The FC Goa forward bagged four assists in the tournament and was a pivotal figure in attack for Zico’s side. In 11 appearances, the Brazilian bagged seven goals and was an important source of goals for Goa this season.
The Gaurs registered 29 goals in the league stages and were arguably the most dominant side when going forward and Reinaldo was definitely at the centre of everything positive they had going while moving forward.
With 23 shots on goal, Reinaldo dominated defenses, and his impressive passing range and ability to find players in key situations was an important aspect of how Goa broke down the opposition defence and found success in the season.
The former Flamengo forward was an ever present for the side and was definitely one of their most consistent player this season. Having played a part in almost 50% of the goals Goa scored this season, it is no secret that Reinaldo was indeed a force to reckon with.
#4 Iain Hume
Last season’s best player, Iain Hume has not stopped and has grown on to become even better this season for his club Atletico de Kolkata. With four assists, the Canadian ranks joint fifth in the assists list and tormented the opposition defenses this season.
The former Tranmere Rovers forward also bagged 11 goals in the tournament in 16 appearances, ranking second in the top goalscorers list. Hume was without a shadow of a doubt the player of the season for Kolkata and is surely in contention to reclaim his golden ball award from last season.
The 32-year old was the focal point for Kolkata this season and has filled in the void left by Fikru at the start of the season, and Postiga after the opening game of the campaign.
#3 Sameehg Doutie
The South African midfielder burst onto the scene relatively late in the tournament but soon became the focal point of everything Kolkata did in attack. With six assists in the tournament, Doutie ranks third in the assists list and was up there with Hume as one of the key forces for Atletico in the tournament.
The former South Africa U-20 captain impressed everyone with his blistering pace and guile and tormented defenses with his impressive passing range. The 26-year old bagged three goals in 11 appearances and became a mainstay in the side.
His partnership with Hume was very exciting and there is no doubt that this South African talent is only going to get better in his career now. Doutie’s physique and strength was a worrying point for coach Antonio Habas, but the playmaker showed that he is no pushover and stepped upto the plate whenever Kolkata needed him.
#2 Leo Moura
The catalyst for FC Goa this season, Leo Moura was on song with his performances in the tournament. With the joint highest number of assists this season, the Brazilian impressed everyone with his consistency and versatility in the league.
The Brazilian has featured in defense as well as in the midfield and there has hardly been an occasion where his performance levels have taken a dip. The 37-year old has bagged two goals in 15 games, but it was his creative talent that bagged all the plaudits.
Moura contributed heavily on all fronts this season and when not helping out in the attack, he assisted the defense by putting in tackles and making key interceptions. He was without a doubt another key contender for the prestigious best player award in the ISL.
#1 Florent Malouda
The Frenchman was the headline signing for Delhi Dynamos and he didn’t disappoint at all. The former Chelsea winger brought with him bags of experience and talent unmatched by the majority in the ISL and that was evident with his performances throughout the tournament.
Despite being a winger, Malouda settled in well in a more advanced role in midfield and at times as a second striker. With eight assists, he ranks top in the assists chart and was the player with the most number of minutes played for Delhi Dynamos this season.
The former France international was a constant thorn in the side for the opposition and his partnership with both Richard Gadze and Robin Singh was of great significance for the side from the capital.
Though the 35-year old couldn’t score a goal this season, it didn’t take anything away from his performances as he continued to influence the games from a deeper position.
