Unlike the previous years, the Hero Indian Super League teams have been quite insightful in terms of transfers this season. The franchises have opted for smart signings rather than going for marquee ones.
And this approach has made the league all the more interesting. Of course, there are several other reasons to be excited for the sixth edition of the tournament but these five players will give you an additional incentive:
- Sergio Castel (Jamshedpur FC)
Jamshedpur FC have acquired some of the best young talents for the 2019/20 season. And amongst the lot is a certain 24-year-old loanee from the Atletico Madrid B team, Sergio Castel. Castel, who spent his early years with Barcelona-based side UE Rubi, has taken to the league like a fish to water, even scoring the winner during his team’s 2-1 win over Odisha FC in the league opener.
Castel is expected to lead the line for his team this season and a lot will depend on how he performs.
Read | Five Indian youngsters to watch for in ISL this season
- Bartholomew Ogbeche (Kerala Blasters)
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has been a revelation in the league since making his debut with NorthEast United in 2018. Riding on the back of his sensational performances, NorthEast reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
And the 35-year-old Nigerian followed his coach Eelco Schattorie as he switched alliances to the Kerala Blasters. His experience of playing at the top level proved handy on October 20, as he scored a brace to help Kerala to a 2-1 victory over ATK.
- Asamoah Gyan (NorthEast United)
Gyan brings along a wealth of experience to the relatively young Indian Super League. Having represented the likes of Udinese, Rennes and Sunderland in the past, the 33-year-old Ghanaian promises goals, goals and more goals; something NorthEast would have missed with Ogbeche’s departure to Kerala.
A striker with a potent eye for goal, expect him to haunt defenders as the season progresses.
Read | Why Bengaluru FC won’t retain their ISL crown this season
- Roy Krishna (ATK)
The captain of Fiji national team, Roy Krishna turned a lot of heads as soon as his signing was announced by ATK. The 32-year-old striker has spent his entire career playing in either New Zealand’s domestic league or Australia’s A-League.
A newcomer to the country, Krishna will lead the charge this season and will be in hunt for the golden boot against the likes of Sunil Chhetri and others.
- Amine Chermiti (Mumbai City FC)
Tunisia’s Amine Chermiti has taken no time in asserting his authority in the league, having scored the winner during Mumbai City FC’s 1-0 won over Kerala Blasters on Thursday. Just like a few of the aforementioned names, the 31-year-old has represented some of the best European clubs during his career.
In a team which retained the likes of Modou Sougou and Paulo Machado, expect Chermiti to wreak havoc this season.
Read | Why this year’s ISL will be the biggest ever in history
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar
