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A look at how the marquee players performed this weekThe success of the inaugral season of the Indian Super League (ISL) saw it establish itself as one of the most popular and widely followed tournaments in the world of football. Registering the fourth highest attendance in football last year, ISL’s rise has seen it attract famed footballers who have reached the twilight of their career.The expectations surrounding these household names was sky high and although some have been able to live upto the hype, few have hardly justified their performances in this year’s tournament.In this weekly series, Sportskeeda will look to evaluate the performance of the marquee signings of each team and their contribution to their respective sides.
#5 Elano- Chennaiyin FC
The star performer amongst the marquee players this week was Elano Blumer, Chennaiyin FC’s talisman. The Brazilian who was dropped to the bench in the side’s previous fixture against North East United returned to the starting eleven and proved his worth as he orchestrated the play from midfield to guide the side from the South to a comfortable win against FC Pune City.
Elano was involved in Stiven Mendoza’s goal as it was his pass that was turned in by the striker to score the winner. The former Manchester City player enjoyed the freedom to move freely as he was awarded with acres of space in the midfield by the Pune side.
His return in form will come as a huge boost for Marco Materazzi’s side who are now looking to recalim the top spot in the standings, having already registered three wins in the campaign so far.
*Helder Postiga, Marchena and Lucio were not involved in any sort this gameweek.
#4 Adrian Mutu- FC Pune City
FC Pune City’s marquee player has failed to leave a lasting impression in this season’s ISL. Having returned from an injury, the former Chelsea striker has failed to cement a regular spot in the league so far and even against Chennaiyin FC, Mutu came on as a second half substitute.
Coach David Platt sent the Romanian striker in the 71st minute replacing Tuncay Sanli, but Mutu’s presence hardly worked in the away side’s favour who failed to overturn the deficit.
The positive though for Pune’s supporters was that their star signing finally showed signs of his old self, albeit occasionally. The former Parma forward came close to scoring from a Jackichand cross but his effort was well denied by the Chennaiyin custodian.
Towards the end of the game, he tried an acrobatic effort, and though it didnt trouble the opposition defense, it would still be pleasing for Platt and his staff to see a more frutitful involvement from their marquee signing.
#3 Roberto Carlos- Delhi Dynamos
Signed as the marquee player-cum-manager, Roberto Carlos was the biggest name in this season’s tournament but his on-field activities have been limited to much despair of the Indian supporters.
The Brazilian who is still recovering from the finger injury he sustained prior to the start of the tournament, has registered a mere 45 minutes under his belt. But despite being forced out from on field activities, the former Real Madrid full-back has done well to take the Delhi Dynamos to fourth place in the standings, with a game in hand.
But after a string of wins, Carlos’s side were put to halt by Mumbai City FC who outplayed them to register a comfortable 2-0 win. The defeat was Carlos’s second this season but having played four away games already and registering two wins on the road, the Dynamos side are well placed to end their travelling sojourn on a high.
The Brazilian has done well to maintain a good stability and harmony in the squad and with the experienced players living upto their potential, the side from the capital are well placed to finish on a high in the tournament this season.
#2 Simao Sabrosa- NorthEast United
While Simao was instrumental in his debut for NorthEast United in their last fixture, his contribution this time around was limited as Cesar Farias introduced him right at the death.
The Portuguese winger came on in the 72nd minute of the game with the hope of him breaking past the Atletico defense, but apart from making a few forward runs, his role on the evening was limited and later overshadowed by fellow substitute Velez who scored the match winner.
The former Portugal international’s return has seen the Highlanders register their second win in a row. With wins against tournament favourites Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC in their last two games, Farias’s men find themselves in the second last place four points behind table toppers FC Goa but with a game in hand.
With the side facing Mumbai City FC in their next fixture, Farias will be hooing he can unleash Simao from the start for the first time this season.
#1 Nicolas Anelka- Mumbai City FC
Nicolas Anelka finally made his comeback for Mumbai City FC after his cameo appearance in the opening fixture against FC Pune City. The former Chelsea striker introduced himself in the 76th minute, replacing Sony Norde and was immidiately involved in the thick of things.
The Frenchman did well to recieve Selim Bencahour’s through ball and did well to cut inside, but his following shot was well saved by the Goa defense. Minutes later, Anelka latched onto another goal scoring opportunity, but was subsequently brought down inside the box. The referee waved away any protests for a penalty call.
This was the marquee manager’s first appearance since the groin injury he sustained in the opening fixture of Mumbai and it comes as a huge boost for the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned side who are making a steady progress towards the right side of table.
While Anelka’s contribution on the field has been restricted, he has done well to make his presence felt from the dug out as he has guided Mumbai to back to back wins in their previous two fixtures.
The 36-year old’s return opens up the prospect of him lining up with Sunil Chettri up top, a sight many will relish in the ISL this season.
