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The first edition of the Indian Super League saw many big names like David Trezeguet, Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, Fredrik Ljungberg, Luis Garcia etc playing infront of packed Indian crowds as Marquee players. Some clicked while others were warmed the bench on most occasions. The likes of Elano finished with the golden boot award while Fredrik Ljungberg could only play his part in four matches.The second edition saw the franchises doing their homework properly and roping in younger and fitter names. Some teams have made smart buys keeping their budget intact while others have splashed big money to get star names.We analyze the signings of each and every team, as at the end of the day their presence will make a huge difference to them.
#1 Roberto Carlos
Everyone knows what Roberto Carlos did during his distinguished career and what he brings to the table is quite extraordinary. He has redefined physics in football; the entire world would keenly wait for his banana free kicks which use to be a treat to everyone’s eyes. He is taking over from another footballing great in Alessandro Del Piero.
But Roberto Carlos then and now is a huge difference. It has been three years that he has played a competitive football match and has donned the manager hat lately. He doesn’t have quick legs anymore and will he able to put to generate those breath-taking free-kicks needs to be seen.
Age is not on his side, at 42, he might be successful as a manager but with respect to playing football he looks miles apart as there is a huge increase in playing quality this year. Roped in as a player cum manager, his huge experience would really help Delhi Dynamos on sidelines but when it comes to playing he might struggle to match the other younger guys in the field.
#2 Carlos Marchena
The 2010 World Cup winner brings a lot to the table for Kerala Blasters as compared to David James last year. The lanky defender is equally comfortable playing at center back as he is as a defensive midfielder.
Although, he hasn’t played last season for various reasons, he had decent stats in the 2013-14 season with Deportivo La Coruna in Spain’s Segunda Division. He played 22 games and finished with 3 goals.
He played in two World Cups i.e in 2006 and 2010, and the world saw how they dominated the 2010 edition with their ever popular Tiki-Taka style of play. He knows what is needed to succeed at the highest level and Kerala Blasters manager Peter Taylor will too hope for the same from him. How quickly he gets into his fitness shoes will be evident once the tournament kicks off.
#3 Simao Sabrosa
The former Portuguese International would be a real asset for North East United in this edition. He would be replacing Joan Capdevila for this seasons ISL. In 2013-14 season, he played for Espanyol in the La Liga and almost had a near perfect season in terms of consistency playing his part in 34 matches.
The ace midfielder, who would like to anchor the ship by playing in the heart of the field and leading from the front. The management would hope that he passes on his valuable experience to the young North East players, who last year finished with a wooden spoon.
Simao known for his leadership qualities would look to create winning mentality in coordination with his Venezuelan manager Cesar Farias.
#4 Adrian Mutu
Unlike others, Mutu played in the top division last year where he started six matches for Petrolul Ploiesti and scored two goals in the Romanian top league. He would be replacing another striker David Trezeguet who finished with 2 goals from 9 matches in the ISL last season.
He has been a great buy for FC Pune City, as they have heavily invested in other international players. Their only hope would be that he plays more matches than Trezeguet and score more goals at the same time. New English manager David Platt has chosen his team with precision and selected players who were in great form last season. That is what he has seen in Mutu.
The former Romanian striker last played for his home country in 2013. His valuable experience in the English Premier League, Italian Serie A and the French Ligue 1 would be a great asset to his side. Can Mutu perform better than Trezeguet we have to wait and see, but he surely is a good buy for the Pune side.
#5 Nicolas Anelka
After playing 7 matches and scoring 2 goals last season, Anelka would be looking to put up a better show this year. Apart from being the Marquee player he also bears another burden on his shoulders this year of being the side’s Marque manager. It will be interesting to see how he juggles the two roles at the same time.
The former French international is an intelligent player and doesn’t waste his energy when not required as he has shown throughout his career. His intelligence got Mumbai vital goals which eventually got them crucial wins. Nevertheless, they finished second from bottom, and this year with the extra responsibility he has a target to achieve.
Post the ISL last year, he didn’t play anywhere. So it would be interesting to see whether he can regain match sharpness before the start of the tournament. A lot of planning has gone into this year from Mumbai’s end and Anelka knows things would only get difficult this year. Not only does he have to lift the team’s game but also lift his game as well.
#6 Elano
Chennaiyin FC is the only team in the ISL to retain their Marquee player and the way Elano performed last year there was no reason not to retain him. He was exceptional last season as he finished with 8 goals from 11 games and won the golden boot award guiding Chennaiyin to the top of the table in the initial stages of the tournament.
As an attacking midfielder that was a commendable performance. Post ISL, he joined Santos in Brazilian Serie A where he started 14 matches in Paulista 1 and 4 matches so far in Serie A. Although as an individual he had a great ISL season but as a team Chennaiyin FC would be disappointed with their final standing. Manager Marco Materazzi would be looking at it very closely how he can improve the show this year.
With the playing field bettered this season, Elano has to work real hard to put up another good show in ISL. With the quality that he posses there are no two thoughts about it.
#7 Lucio
The former Brazilian captain has achieved everything under the sun in International Football. His huge experienced and impressive CV will surely help FC Goa not only on the field but also off it.
Having played in three World Cups, winning one of them, lifting the UEFA champions league and many other titles, FC Goa has really got a Marquee signing in the true sense. The former Bayern Munich player is still playing at top level, last year he played for Palmeiras in Brazilian Serie A and had 15 games to his name. He would be Zico’s biggest asset in this ISL season.
Goa last year posed real quality but they couldn’t convert that into real performances. Zico & Co would be looking at just that and with Lucio in their ranks they have some strong shoulders to rely on. FC Goa will be kicking themselves if they can’t finish in top two based on the squad they have assembled.
#8 Helder Postiga
Atletico de Kolkata has always signed players that have turned attention to themselves. Last year it was Luis Garcia and this year they have roped in Portuguese international Helder Postiga, who also played in 2014 World Cup. Signing a quality player like him, who has two-three years of quality international football left in him can surely be termed as a great signing.
Last season he played for Deportivo La Coruna in Spanish La Liga where he had 14 matches to his name with a solitary goal. Everyone is aware about his scoring ability at the international level.
He last played for Portugal in November 2014 against Armenia where he was on the field for 56 minutes. Manager Antonio Habbas will hope that he carries the team ahead and successfully defend their title. With Postiga in their team, Atletico have a great chance of defending their crown as the Champions of the Indian Super League.
