ISL 2017: 5 reasons why Delhi Dynamos can win the title

The Delhi Dynamos have been a part of the ISL since its inception and have reached the semi-finals in the last two seasons. The capital outfit has seen some quality foreigners turn out for them in the past and this year also, they have roped in foreign players with considerable quality and experience.

They will look to make their first-ever final in this season and go on to win the crown. In this article, we look at five reasons why Delhi can win the ISL 2017!

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#1 Albino Gomes in goal

Albino Gomes

The 23-year-old was signed for a huge sum of Rs 50 lakhs and among Indian goalkeepers bought in the draft, only Subrata Paul was picked for a higher sum, which shows how highly he is rated. He made his ISL debut last season for Mumbai City F.C and showed promise.

He continued his fine form in the I-League, playing a vital part by keeping eight clean sheets in 18 matches and leading unfancied Aizawl F.C to the title win. The former Salgaocar keeper is a talented shot-stopper and also organizes his defence well.

#2 Signing of Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal

The Delhi Dynamos acquired the services of Pritam Kotal and his signing means Delhi possess arguably the best right back in ISL 2017. Kotal is India’s first choice right back and has been consistently brilliant for the national team.

He has the experience of winning the ISL, with him being part of ATK’s victorious campaign in ISL 2016. The speedy right back is strong in defence and is a threat going forward. He was the fourth most expensive defender in the player draft this year, highlighting the improvement he has made.

#3 The Royal Wahingdoh Partnership

Seityasen Singh

Delhi signed left Back Sena Ralte and left winger Seityasen Singh and will hope that the duo are able to recreate their brilliant partnership from Royal Wahingdoh’s third-place finish in the 2014-15 edition of the I- League.

Royal Wahingdoh were expected to get relegated in their debut season but the brilliant double act of Sena Ralte and Seityasen Singh on the left side meant they finished third on the table, with Seityasen scored six goals in that campaign. He was picked up for Rs 56 lakhs in the 2017 ISL draft, highlighting the faith the team management has in him.

His partner in crime Sena Ralte will line up at left back after impressing in Mumbai City’s run to the semi-finals. The 29-year-old is quick and possesses bundles of energy to get up and down in his flank. He also possesses defensive awareness highlighted by the fact that he made the most interceptions by an Indian player in ISL 2016.

#4 Romeo Fernandes' trickery

Romeo Fernandes

Tricky winger Romeo Fernandes was the unsung hero in Goa’s run to the semi-finals in ISL 2014 and 2015. The pacy winger played a part in 11 goals (5 goals and 6 assists) in the first two ISL seasons and was one of the best Indian performers.

His fine performances earned him a loan move to Clube Atletico Paranaense, where he became the first Indian to play for a South American side at senior level. He was below par in ISL 2016 where Goa struggled badly, but he will look to bounce back in the new edition and recreate his old form.

#5 Quality foreign signings

Gabriel Cichero

Delhi have drafted quality foreigners to their roster for ISL 2017. Their foreign imports las season like Marcelinho, Marcos Tebar and Ruben Rocha played a huge part in their run to the semi-finals. This year too, they have roped in players like Gabriel Cichero, who is a Venezuelan international with 70 caps to his name.

Jeroen Lumu, the tricky Dutch forward is a big coup, as the 22-year-old has already won the Bulgarian Cup with Ludogorets Razgrad in 2013-14 and is also a UEFA European U-17 Football Championship winner with Netherlands in 2012. Matías Mirabaje has represented the Uruguayan U-20 side and has also played the Club World Cup.

Delhi Dynamos will hope their foreigners replicate last season's impact and lead them to their first-ever finals.