I-League 2018-19: How have the foreign veterans fared so far?

#3 Katsumi Yusa (Neroca FC)

Katsumi Yusa

The Japanese made headlines before the start of the season by complaining against in former club East Bengal. The red and gold had not given ‘no objection certificate’ to Katsumi, telling the move to NEROCA was not permanent. The matter was sorted by both the clubs thereafter.

He had point to prove when he took the field against East Bengal in the first match of the campaign, but he got injured halfway through the match.

Katsumi made headlines again a few days ago when he became the fastest player to score in I-League, against Churchill Brothers. He scored another in the second half to help the club win the match.

#2 Sony Norde (Mohun Bagan)

Sony Norde

Early in the year, Sony Norde left Mohun Bagan after a tearful press conference. It was a long knee injury which needed a long time to heal. As a recuperating in Argentina and the United States, rumours started brewing over his resigning with the club. Norde put the speculations on rife by tweeting best of luck to Mohun Bagan. Within a few days, the green and maroon made the announcement of his signing.

It was a move hailed by supporters but was questionable in nature. Norde carried an injury and has missed the first match of the tournament. After playing three matches, he was again sidelined, this time with a calf muscle injury. He missed the match against arch-rivals East Bengal.

But the Haitian showed his class with both the goals he scored so far. Playing his first match of the season, Norde made an instant impact by scoring a superb goal against Aizawl FC. On Chennai City match, he scored another screamer from well outside the box.

#1 Willis Plaza (Churchill Brothers)

Willis Plaza

The surprise pack this season is surely Willis Plaza. He was signed by East Bengal in January 2017 and scored some beautiful goals but the red and gold failed to win I-League. Plaza was initially released by the club but upon the insistence of the then coach Khalid Jamil, he made a return. Plaza’s poor form continued and he was released by the club in January 2018.

After spending one month for Mohammedan Sporting, he moved to Churchill Brothers and played brilliantly in Super Cup, where he scored all the three goals.

He is continuing his form in I-League too and already registered eight goals with his name. He has scored against his former club East Bengal too.