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The Indian Super League 2015 is less than 5 days away. This year, some of the teams have made shrewd signings to their roster. We look at five foreign players who could make the difference for their teams this time around. After all balance is the key. A combination of fresh Indian talent coupled with foreign experience will in all likelihood be the winning formulae for lifting the trophy this season. Big names might not necessarily mean positive results, but there is no denying the fact that their mere presence uplifts the entire team. The likes of Goa, Kolkata and Kerala have added some much-needed enforcements and look good heading into the tournament. We decided to compile a list of five players who could make a key difference to their team’s chances this season. Mumbai City fans, don’t expect any of your star players to be on this list.
#1 Jaime Gavilan - Atletico de Kolkata
First up to be profiled is the former Valencia CF midfielder, Jamie Gavilán. The Spanish footballer has a knack for scoring goals apart from his vision for picking out his team mates even in tight spaces. Often a drifter at the left wing, the thirty-year-old got himself on the scoresheet in Atletico de Kolkata’s recent warm-up match against Aryan FC.
With spells at Levante, Getafe and Valencia in his resume, Jaime will bring in some much-needed experience and flair for the reigning champions. A midfielder needs a combination of strength, skill and some speed. Jamie seems to have all those boxes ticked for him. He might not be the most spectacular player to watch, but he is reliable and does the job effectively for his team.
The left wing isn’t Atletico de Kolkata’s forte and Jamie could well change that by pulling the string from midfield.
#2 Lucio FC Goa
Next on the list is Lucimar Ferreira da Silva also known as Lúcio. The powerful centre back might be at the wrong side of his thirties, but you can doubt his skills at your own peril. His ability to read the game is second to none.
You can expect a lot of aggressive tackling from the towering centre back. We can’t wait for Lúcio to go on those marauding runs right into the opposition half. His ability to move forward with the ball adds a whole new dimension to his game. This will definitely prove pivotal when his tram try to unlock more sturdy defenses.
His successful 2010 Champions League campaign with Inter Milan is still fresh in the minds of many. Lúcio makes defending look like an art. The Brazilian, always hungry for silverware will be expected to marshal his defense with aplomb. The thirty seven year old is as sharp as ever.
#3 Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos - Delhi Dynamos FC
Delhi will be ecstatic having retained this twenty-one-year-old for the 2015 season. Last year he took the ISL by storm with his hazy, Arjen Robben like runs from the right flank. The Brazilian has a mean shot on him too.
Quite often he made mincemeat of the opposition defenses last season. The ambidextrous midfielder is usually tightly marked by more than one player. This opens up spaces for his teammates and Gustavo habitually picks out his teammates in goal scoring positions. For Delhi, retaining Dos Santos is equivalent to signing a new player.
There aren’t many players in the league who have the trickery and maturity that Gustavo has. Having played in the Brazilian top flight, expect him to trouble the opposition full backs throughout the ninety minutes. Defenders know his go-to move is cutting inside from the right flank, stopping him from doing that is another ballgame alltogether.
#4 Fikru Teferra - Chennaiyin FC
Chennai may have made the most important signing in ISL 2015. Former striker at Atletico de Kolkata, Fikru’s goal scoring exploits was there was everyone to see last season. Only behind Elano in the goal scoring charts in 2014 ( scored 5 in 12 appearances), Fikru has an impressive first touch and holds up play effectively to bring his teammates into the game.
If provided with the right service, he can cause havoc in the penalty box. His ability to get on the wrong side of the centre back is second to none in the ISL. His fiery attitude is exactly what his team need when facing miserly defenses. Fikru loves the big occasions and helped his former team at crucial knockout occasions last season.
Having tasted success last season, the Ethiopian knows what it takes to lift the coveted trophy.
#5 Chris Dagnall - Kerala Blasters
The last one to be profiled is twenty-nine-year-old Chris Dagnall. English outfit, Leyton Orient's top scorer in 2014-15 decided to reject a new and improved deal to join the Kerala Blasters. Working under former England Under-21 boss Peter Taylor (current coach at Kerala Blasters), Dagnall will be hoping to replicate his form for the southern Indian outfit.
He regularly plays off the shoulder of the centre back and does this pretty well. When you play Chris, the manager knows exactly what he is going to get- goals and quite a few of them. Technically he is up there with the competitions best. His immaculate first touch makes up for his lack of breathtaking pace.
Dagnall’s poacher’s instinct will provide some much-needed fire power to last season’s finalists. You can be rest assured that Chris will give his 100% every match owing to his constant desire to prove himself time and again.
