The Indian Super League's (ISL) round-robin stage is in its last lap and as the bell rings, every point is important for teams to make it to the last four and a step closer to lifting the coveted trophy on December 20.
With big names on the roster and who's who of football getting a chance to display their techniques and skills in front of the Indian audiences, we look at the players who have made a mark in the league and those who have not lived up to the hype.
THE HITS:
Elano (Chennaiyin FC): Easily the most outstanding player of the league, the former Manchester City midfielder has been at the heart of everything Chennaiyin FC have done this season and has consistently found the back of net. His ability with the dead ball situation is second to none. The 32-year-old is not only the youngest marquee player in the ISL but has also been the most influential among the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, David Trezeguet, etc.
Nicolas Anelka (Mumbai City FC): Although Mumbai City FC have struggled of late, they surely made a bright start to their campaign. Anelka, who missed first few matches due to the ban imposed by FIFA last seasaon, started his campaign on a splendid note as he got two goals in two matches - both of which proved out to be winning goals. Jotting down passes, playing one-twos with the midfielders and working hard for the team, Anelka has been arguably the best player for Mumbai.
Borja Fernandez (Atletico de Kolkata): Kolkata's first signing, Borja Fernandez, has been the key element of team's success. The 33-year-old has been one of the key links in a resolute Kolkata side that sits comfortably at second spot with two league games to play. The solid midfielder has been instrumental in breaking up play and winning tackles. It won't be wrong to say that most of the attacks of Kolkata have been down to this genius in the middle of park. He has been the perfect link between defence and attack and has done justice to his role.
Andre Santos (FC Goa): Until two months ago, Santos was doing duty for Flamengo, rubbing shoulders with the best Brazilian players. And the former Arsenal left-back has played a major part in Goa's success in the inaugural season of ISL. Playing in the league on the advice of Zico, Santos has stood like a rock in his midfield role and has scored some key goals, displaying consistency with his free-kicks. Santos, who was once seen as Roberto Carlos, has three goals and three assists to his name and despite largely playing as a midfielder and left-back, he has troubled opposition defenders.
Iain Hume (Kerala Blasters FC): With three goals and two assists, Hume has been the most influential player for Kerala Blasters. The Scottish-born Canadian international striker has progressed as the tournament has gone by and has been lethal while taking his chances in front of goal. Playing in his preferred No. 10 position, Hume has often changed the course of the match while coming in on as a substitute and has been handful for defenders. He came to ISL having a reputation for scoring spectacular goals and although he has not scored enough goals in the ISL, because of his influential presence on the field, Kerala are still in contention to finish in the top four.
THE MISSES:
Alessandro Del Piero (Delhi Dynamos): When Delhi signed the Italian and Juventus legend, it created a worldwide buzz. Fans in India were excited to see the Italian legend play, but he has not been able to live up to his legendary status and has failed miserably for Delhi. Fitness issues had been raised time to time and Del Piero has not been able find the back of the net even once. Often operating as a striking partner to Mads Junker or as a creative midfielder, the Italian has failed to provide his strikers with the balls that can rip through defences.
Robert Pires (FC Goa): Another big name who has failed to live up to the hype. Though FC Goa has been performing brilliantly of late, Pires has struggled on the pitch. The former Arsenal player has failed to make an impact in the central midfield, often being outpaced and bullied by his much younger opponents. He has also been banned for two matches for his altercation with the Kolkata coach. He has scored just once in the tournament and that too through a penalty kick.
Michael Chopra (Kerala Blasters): The former England youth international has only played a limited role for Kerala and has failed to even score a single goal. Once a promising striker, the 30-year-old has barely had any time on the pitch making a handful of appearances and has been out with an ankle injury now. Good form of Hume has also kept him out of the playing eleven but whenever given chance by David James, Chopra has let the team down.
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