I-League 2018-19: 5 foreigners who deserve to play in the ISL

We have seen some enthralling encounters and brilliant individual performances as we approach the final rounds of yet another exciting season of the I-League. Like the previous two editions, it’s likely that we are going to get a new champion from this season, but we have to wait for that.

This season was memorable as Real Kashmir FC became the first team from the region to qualify for the top flight. Apart from that, many players dazzled on the field with their skills and talent. Indian players like Jobby Justin, Jesuraj, Laldanmawia Ralte have been the most talked-about footballers.

Many of the foreigners have also fared remarkably well in the league. While some of them are new to Indian football, others have been around for quite some time. In each of the cases, they proved that they have got the class to push their game to the next level.

The Indian Super League is the most highlighted league in India right now. It should be noted that it can possibly be the top division league next year while the I-League will be a second-tier tournament, which might see many players migrating to the ISL.

Let us have a look at 5 foreigners who are eligible to play in the Indian Super League:

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#1 Nestor Gordillo (Chennai City FC)

For a team which finished at the eighth position last season, no one thought that Chennai City FC would even give a shot at the championships this time around. Singaporean tactician Akbar Nawas handpicked a handful of Spanish players to fill up the foreign quota and develop a tiki-taka style of football. Nestor Gordillo is one of the architects in the setup.

His understanding of Sandro Rodiguez and Pedro Manzi was laudable. Nestor played a pivotal figure in providing assists throughout the entire I-League, having scored 8 goals also. His goals were very useful which makes him an all-round player. The Spaniard was responsible for setting up most of Pedro Manzi’s goals, which included two in the very first match itself.

The playmaker is a complete package, which is evident from the skills he has displayed in the entire season. Chennai City FC are just a step away from clinching the coveted trophy. Nestor has hogged the limelight for quite some time now. Needless to say, there will a lot of Indian Super League clubs who are eager to rope him for the next season.

#4 Aryn Williams (NEROCA FC)

Aryn Williams has been a lifeline in the midfield for NEROCA FC

Plying his trade in England and his native land Australia for more than five years, Aryn Williams fled to India to feature for I-League debutants NEROCA FC. The central midfielder toiled hard at the centre, he was a hard nut to crack by the opposition. With his help, the team from the North East managed to finish as the runners-up in the last edition of the I-League.

Aryn Williams was summoned once again to give a shape to the midfield. Even though NEROCA FC did not enjoy a fruitful season, Aryn Williams was an influential member of the squad. It was due to his heroics in the midfield that the team managed to win several matches in the league.

NEROCA FC are currently out of the contention for the I-League title and with a possible merger not likely in the near future, the holding midfielder might look for the opportunities in the Indian Super League. Aryn is just 25 years old and is at the peak of his career. It will not be surprising if he is roped in by an ISL franchise for a handsome pay structure in the following season.

#3 Willis Plaza (Churchill Brothers FC)

Willis Plaza has staged a phenomenal comeback to the I-League

A handful of people would have thought that Willis Deon Plaza will prolong his stay in the Indian football circuit after the way he was released by Kolkata giants East Bengal last season. The situation became worse when he was roped in by Mohammedan Sporting Club, but was not retained for only a single month. He moved to Churchill Brothers FC during the Super Cup.

Even though the team was relegated from the I-League, the Goa-based side got a wildcard entry to the next season, while Willis Plaza got another lifeline. After an emotional see-saw in his personal life, he picked himself up during the season break and came back from the Caribbean stronger than ever.

Willis Plaza answered his critics with style. He struck goals with ease, making sure that Churchill Brothers FC were in the hunt for the championship. He amassed a total of 18 goals in as many matches which in itself is an incredible record. Although the team is now out of contention for the I-League title, Willis Plaza’s efforts are remarkable.

#2 Borja Gomez Perez (East Bengal)

Borja has been a stalwart at the back for East Bengal

East Bengal started to dig deep into their pockets after gaining the sponsorship of corporate giants QUESS Corp. If the recruitment of 2018 World Cupper Johnny Acosta was an attractive one, Borja Gomez’s signing was a masterstroke. The two central defenders shielded the goal like a wall, with Borja spearheading the act.

The Spanish stopper has been doing his job with perfection at the back, he hardly gives any space to the opponent strikers which makes him so special. He has featured in every game for the club and has contributed immensely. Borja is solidly built for his trade; the former LaLiga star often outplays his competitors using his physical presence.

Although it is unlikely that the club bosses will release the player in the upcoming season, it is also true that he is a class player and is fit to play in any of the Indian Super League clubs. On the other hand, if the ‘red and gold’ brigade plays in the Indian Super League next season, he will automatically feature in the cash-rich tournament.

#1 Pedro Manzi (Chennai City FC)

Pedro Manzi has scored four hat-tricks in the ongoing I-League

Chennai City FC were trailing by a goal in the opening game of the I-League against Indian Arrows, but a certain Pedro Manzi, who was playing his first match in India, equalised just after the half-hour mark. He showed his class by netting two more in the second half to seal three points for his team and promise much more in the future.

The Spanish trio including Pedro Manzi, Nestor Gordillo and Sandro Rodriguez, which was assembled by their coach Akbar Nawas was the new talking point in Indian football. In the centre of this setup, was Pedro Manzi, who was fed with excellent passes from the playmakers and he hardly missed the chances to convert.

Till now, he has scored 19 goals in 18 matches, an incredible rate in any standards. Chennai City FC started to aim at scripting a maiden I-League title. They are just a win away from claiming the championship. Even if they win, it will be interesting to see whether the club management is able to retain him or will the striker shift his loyalty to a lucrative deal by one of the Indian Super League clubs.