The 2020 edition of the Hero ISL kicks off tonight with Kerala Blasters taking on the newly rebranded ATK Mohun Bagan.
In preparation for the new season, we take a look at the players to look out for from each of the teams competing in the league this season.
ATK Mohun Bagan: Sandesh Jhingan
The newly signed defender will be key to the Kolkata-based club’s title defense this season. While Roy Krishna will surely be up and running on the front lines, Jhingan’s experience is something that might just give the Green and Maroon the edge this season.
FC Goa: Igor Angulo
The loss of an elite player of the standards of Coro will surely be hard to compensate for. However, that is where another Spaniard has his time to shine. New arrival Igor Angulo will be hoping to apply his trade to the ISL as he hopes to step up for his new employees and bag the much-needed goals for the host team.
Mumbai City FC: Bartholomew Ogbeche
Ogbeche has been an absolute beast up-front and has the ability to change the fate of a match all on his own. Given such talent and prowess, the Nigerian is without a doubt Mumbai’s key player as they look to achieve a playoff berth this season.
Kerala Blasters: Sahal Abdul Samad
23-year-old academy product Sahal Abdul Samad was only recently promoted to the Indian national team. While there is still room for improvement for the youngster, there is no doubt that in the wake of losing Ogbeche, his contribution will be very important to the club this season.
Bengaluru FC: Sunil Chhetri
If Zlatan can do it at 39, you can bet Sunil Chhetri is going to be the best player for Bengaluru this season as they look to challenge ATKMB for the title once more. Having the likes of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Udanta Singh will also help BFC make a strong start to the season.
NorthEast United: Idrissa Sylla
Having played for the likes of Anderlecht and Queen’s Park Rangers beforehand, new signee Idrissa Sylla will be key to the Highlander’s season due to his past experience, along with the fact that he knows how to find the back of the net and is a forward in his prime.
Chennaiyin FC: Rafael Crivellaro
The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to the Brazilian attacking midfielder. Having lost Jeje Lalpekhlua to East Bengal, the Supermachans will have to rely on Crivellaro to create, as well as to find the back of the net for a successful campaign.
Jamshedpur FC: Jackichand Singh
While star goalscorer Nerijus Valskis will no doubtedly be a sight to see for the steel city club, newly recruited winger Jackichand Singh will be hoping to achieve a true breakout for his new employees as they look to take Jamshedpur up the table.
Odisha FC: Marcelinho
The former Pune City FC winger will be one to watch for the Kalinga Warriors in their sophomore season in the ISL. The captain not only has the ability to score, but also to create chances to get the crucial goals to win games.
Hyderabad FC: Fran Sandaza
Having competed in La Liga 2 and the Scottish Premiership before joining Hyderabad FC in only their second year as a club in the ISL, the Spaniard will be key for Hyderabad’s ambitions of finishing mid table at the very least.
SC East Bengal: Jeje Lalpekhlua
While the entire team is under the spotlight in their highly anticipated debut season in the ISL, Jeje Lalpekhlua will be a sight to watch this season as the striker dons the Gold and Red colours to replace those of once former club Mohun Bagan.
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