Midfielders
Left wing – Florent Malouda (Delhi Dynamos)
After Stiven Mendoza, Florent Malouda was probably the best foreign player in the second edition of the Indian Super League. While the Frenchman isn’t as full of pace as he was in his prime, he is still full of power and incredibly creative with his cultured left foot, topping the assists chart on eight, over the entirety of the ISL last year.
Malouda is still the beating heart of Delhi Dynamos’ midfield and expect another superb season from the French maestro, which could propel Delhi to the final stages.
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Central midfield – Joffre (FC Goa)
FC Goa will be without Leo Moura this season, but that could prove to be a blessing in disguise as Joffre will get a more prominent role in midfield. Joffre won the league in the first season with Atletico de Kolkota, and despite playing second fiddle to Moura last year, racked up four goals and four assists as Goa went all the way to the final.
Joffre’s amazing feet and creativity in midfield should warm the cockles of Zico’s heart, as Joffre exerts control in midfield unlike any other player.
Central midfield – Eugenson Lyngdoh (FC Pune City)
FC Pune City endured a terrible year last season, but Eugeneson Lyngdoh was one of the few bright spots that year. However, Antonio Habas has taken charge and with a couple of shrewd buys, FC Pune City could go far. Lyngdoh’s passing ability in midfield has only gone from strength to strength, as he has quickly become the best Indian midfielder currently.
Lyngdoh’s goal-scoring has increased over the last few months, most recently scoring a screamer for Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup semifinal. If he repeats the feat for FC Pune City, Lyngdoh could be topping both the assists and goals chart in the ISL.
Right wing – Sameehg Doutie (Atletico de Kolkata)
While Sony Norde could also conceivably occupy this role, Doutie’s emergence last season for Atletico de Kolkata was the stuff of dreams. The South African made a quiet start to the season, but then took the ISL by storm, racking up six assists and three goals as he motivated ATK to make it to the semifinals last year.
With his amazing speed on the wings, Doutie is a true fan favourite and could quite easily lighten up the pitch this year too.
