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The 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.
#1 Elano- Chennaiyin FC
The first South derby of the second edition of the ISL saw Kerala Blasters share the spoils with Chennaiyin FC in a 1-1 draw. Once again it was Chennaiyin’s talisman that rose up to the occasion as he converted the spot kick to hand the away side the lead, thus continuing his fine form in the tournament this season as well.
Elano carried forward from where he had left off against FC Pune City in the last game and his cutting edge passes and ability to sway past defenders proved to be a constant truoble for the Blaster’s defense. While it wasn’t the most productive night for the former Manchester City star who apart from that one long ranged effort and the penalty, never quite came close to testing Bywater in the opposition goal.
The 34-year old scored what turned out to be his third goal of the season, but his overall influence on the game was minimal as failed to create chances Stiven Mendoza or Jeje throughout the game, and was thus replaced by Bruno Pelissari in the final few minutes.
While the goal will provide some much needed confidence, Marco Materazzi will be wishing his marquee signing can continue to live up to the standards he has set for himself in the tournament.
#2 Roberto Carlos- Delhi Dynamos
Roberto Carlos finally made his much awaited come back on the field in the 64th minute against Atletico de Kolkata, as his side registered a valuable 1-0 win against the champions. The Brazilian who was recovering from a broken finger replaced John Arne Riise and within a minute of his return provided a scare to the Delhi side as he was inches away from scoring an own goal.
The Brazilian though showed glimpses of his passing as his long cross field passes created quite a few goal scoring opportunities for Dynamos. Playing in the midfield, the former Real Madrid man complimented Mulder well, and when down to 10-men his experience and leadership came to the fore as Dynamos held their own to register another away win.
The 45-year old has promised the Delhi crowd that they will be seeing a lot more of him on the field, and with the World Cup winner slowly regaining fitness, it could prove to be a massive boost for the capital based side to have their marquee star fit to start on a more regular basis.
#3 Simao Sabrosa- NorthEast United
It was a match to forget for Simao and his NorthEast side as they were beaten comprehensively by Mumbai City FC. Nicolas Anelka’s side scored five past the Highlanders and there was nothing the Portuguese could do to help his side.
The NorthEast captain was anonymous for majority of the game and very rarely got the opportunity to showcase his ability with the ball. The former Barcelona winger was well stopped on his tracks by the Mumbai defense who did not allow space to the winger and restricted his influence on the game.
With no service from the midfield, Simao could not test the Mumbai custodian even once. He was eventually substituted at the hour mark and like his side, he was outclassed by the opposition. With a must win game coming up against Delhi Dynamos, Simao needs to step up his game and showcase his abilities if he and NorthEast are to make a comeback into this tournament.
#4 Lucio- FC Goa
Following his absence last week, Lucio made his return to the side in their home game against FC Pune City. The side’s 1-1 draw saw the former Inter Milan defender put in a solid performance at the back, marking Tuncay Sanli and Kalu Uche well.
The Brazilian also had a glorious chance to score but his header was well saved by the Pune custodian. Lucio’s return will be a massive boost for Zico and his side who have been struggling defensively over the past few weeks.
The World Cup winner provides solidarity and his aerial prowess makes his one of the toughest defenders to deal with in the ISL. With Zico’s men set to face Chennaiyin FC in their next game, it will be a big test for their marquee player if he can match the fitness levels of the likes of Jeje and Stiven Mendoza who have shown their goal scoring abilities so far in the campaign.
#5 Nicolas Anelka- Mumbai City FC
Nicolas Anelka decided to preserve himself once again as he masterminded the side’s 5-1 home win over NorthEast United. There was hardly any moment when the Frenchman would have even considered sending himself on as his side strolled past Cesar Farias’s men.
Sunil Chhetri was the star of the show with his hattrick and he was supported well with partner Sony Norde. With this win, Anelka’s side registered yet another valuable win and thus increasing their streak to three games in succession, landing themselves a place in the much sought after top four spot.
The Frenchman has overseen his side make a comeback in the tournament taking nine points from their last three games after they managed a mere single point from their first three fixtures.
It will be interesting to see though, how the former Chelsea striker changes his side’s strategy when their star striker leaves for National team duty next week.
*Helder Postiga, Marchena and Adrian Mutu were not involved in any sort this gameweek.
