I-League: Top five current Indian players without a top flight league title

Arata Izumi

The Japanese-born versatile midfielder became the first PIO (Person of Indian Origin) to represent the Indian national team at senior international level but is yet to win the league title despite playing seven seasons already. Arata finished fifth with East Bengal in his debut campaign in 2006-07 and didn’t come close to the summit during his two-year stay with Mahindra United also.

The 31-year-old then joined I-League newcomers Pune FC and helped them finish third in the 2009-10 season. However, his best campaign individually and collectively was 2012-13, where he was not only one of the best Indian players but also finished runners-up with the Pune club. Arata would be aiming to go one better this time.