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The second edition of the Indian Super League came to an explosive finish, with Chennaiyin FC snatching a last-gasp 3-2 win over FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. The league has drastically improved since its inception last year, and the second season was a major improvement with many players performing very well.With the league having improved in terms of quality all over the field, there are also a few players who transformed the fortunes of their team drastically. We take a look at the Top 5 players in the Indian Super League this season.
#5 John Arne Riise
Definitely the best defender in the league this season, John Arne Riise came to India this season with a lot of expectations and hopes. Riise, who is a left-back primarily, featured at centre-back for Delhi Dynamos and was rock solid for them throughout the season.
The fact that Delhi Dynamos defense struggled in the couple of games he missed showed his importance and impact on the team. Riise made most of his previous experience playing for elite European clubs like Liverpool and AS Roma, and came out as one of the most complete defenders in the league.
The 35-year-old was always lively at the back and won 38 tackles, 42 aerial duels and made 26 interceptions in the 15 games he featured. Unfortunately, he couldn’t help his team defend their lead in the second leg of the semi-final where he had to be substituted just after 30 minutes due to injury.
Though the Dynamos were eliminated in the semi-final, they looked like a solid outfit capable of winning the title. Having had a great season, they would be looking to do better next season, and with Riise having confirmed earlier he would be returning to India next season, Delhi Dynamos fans have every reason to get excited already.
#4 Sameehg Doutie
The South African winger has been the biggest surprise of the season as he was a relatively unknown name before coming to India. He announced himself in style by scoring three goals and assisting another 6 in just the 12 games he played this season.
Doutie was one of the best players for Atletico de Kolkata this season alongside Canadian striker Iain Hume. The 26-year-old played a key role in their revival from a mid-season slump in form, but despite his best efforts, he couldnt take them to the final again this season.
His combination play with Gavilan, Arata and Hume was very easy on the eye and helped his team score freely in the group stages.
Doutie had played in South Africa for his entire career until he signed for Indian Super League defending champions Atletico de Kolkata. The 26-year-old is a youth product of Ajax Cape Town, and also started his senior career there before signing for Orlando Pirates. He also played for Supersport United and Bidvest Wits in South Africa. He also represented South Africa at various youth levels.
#3 Leo Moura
Leo Moura was one of the most reliable players for Zico’s team. FC Goa are probably the only team in the Indian Super League this season to have performed collectively as a team instead of depending on individual talent, but the Brazilian was, without a question, one of the standout performers in the league this season.
Moura has more assists to his name than any other player in the league this season, eight and also has scored two goals. He is one of the first names of the teamsheet and also has contributed defensively.
FC Goa lost 3-2 to Chennaiyin FC in the final of the Indian Super League and Moura’s early substitution due to an injury was probably one of the reasons why the home team couldn’t keep control of the fixture.
The midfielder, who is a youth product of the famous Botafogo academy, played for several top clubs in Brazil including the likes of Vasco da Gama, Fluminense, Sao Paulo, Palmeiras and Flamengo.
#2 Iain Hume
Iain Hume was voted as the Best player of the league last season, and once again this season, he is one of the top 5 players in the league. The Candian striker has been directly involved in 15 goals this season, which included 11 goals and 4 assists in 16 games.
The 32-year-old took his time to get started, not scoring in the first six games of the season, but after that, he found his goalscoring boots, and his first goal came against Mumbai City FC as he went on to score his first career hat-trick in that game.
Hume’s purrposeful running, impressive work rate and clinical finishing proved to a be a nightmare for defenders to deal with. He also got fouled more than any other player in the Indian Super League this season, indicating how big a threat the opposition defenders considered him to be.
Atletico de Kolkata were struggling in the middle of the season when they lost three games consecutively but the Canadian was instrumental in bringing his team back to winning ways. Hume was also ever present for an injury-prone Kolkata outfit who struggled to keep their key players fit throughout the season.
#1 John Stiven Mendoza
John Mendoza scored 13 goals in 16 games this season, one more than any other player. The Colombian striker also has three assists to his name, which put him ahead of Iain Hume in direct goal involvement stats.
Mendoza often carried Chennaiyin FC single-handedly this season, and as he showed in his team’s 3-2 win over FC Goa in the final, he just can’t stop scoring, as he clinched the trophy with a last-minute winner. The Colombian found the back of the net in the final against Goa, and was involved in each goal. He also scored against Atletico de Kolkata in the first leg of the semi-final, and also scored two hat-tricks this season.
On loan from Corithians, the striker caused problems for defenders with his pace and trickery. Chennaiyin FC had a disappointing start to the season, but a great run of results towards the end of the group stages earned them a place in the semi-finals, from where they performed really well to win the tournament.
Needless to say, Mendoza played a key role in getting them there and was rightfully declared the best player of the tournament.
