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Atletico De Kolkata, now rebranded as ATK, are by far one of the most popular as well as talented teams in the Indian Super League (ISL). The two-time as well as defending champions have proved time and again that they are here to stay and have continued to add some big names to their winning squad.
Such is the talent in the team that fans continue to pour into the stadiums just to cheer the side on and with performances consistently phenomenal, this number is only expected to rise.
As they enter ISL 2017 as the defending champions, we take a look at where the shining stars of last season's heroics are!
Debjit Majumder
Debjit Majumder was the keeper between the sticks and made a telling save in the final as ATK lifted their second ISL crown. The goalkeeper was picked up from Mohun Bagan in the I-League and is all set to become the highest earning goalkeeper in India following his Rs 1.3 crore acquisition by the Kolkata club.
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His importance to the club is no doubt there for all to see as ATK look to defend the trophy.
Also read: ISL 2017: Five players who got relegated after stints in the Indian Super League
Henrique Fonseca Sereno
There couldn't have been a better time for Serano to score his one and only ATK goal and he did so in the final against Kerala Blasters, playing a major role in handing the club their second ISL trophy.
It should be considered a pity then that the Portuguese international subsequently left the club for a brief stint at Almeria but now, he has returned to India as a Chennaiyin FC player.
José Luis Espinosa Arroyo
José Luis Espinosa Arroyo has Atletico in his blood. Having played for the Atletico Madrid B side, the Spaniard made his way to ATK and within two spells has an impressive 24 appearances to his name.
His contribution was vital in the title winning campaign last year, making important tackles and interceptions. He has now been picked up by Jamshedpur FC and is expected to start for the side.
Pritam Kotal
After two stints with Pune City FC, Kotal made the switch to ATK and it turned out to be a good move for the right back. In his 12 appearances for the Bengal outfit, he managed to prove his worth and hence made the eleven for the final.
Since his win in the final, Kotal has moved again, being snapped up by the Delhi Dynamos side for the upcoming season.
Keegan Pereira
Keegan Pereira may have made only five appearances before being picked for the final but his impact was there for all to see. The pacy left back joined the ATK ranks as they aimed to mount attacks from the left side.
Since the win, he has played for Bengaluru FC and continues to be a major threat in both defence and attack.
Borja Fernandez
Borja Fernandez led from the front as ATK toppled Kerala in the final and his impact throughout the tournament was invaluable to the club. In fact, his three stints and double ISL crown shows that his experience has played a huge role in the success of the club.
He moved to Almeria in Spain, after he which he joined Valladolid in the Spanish second division. He absence will surely be felt by ATK in the middle of the park.
Jewel Raja Shaikh
Central midfielder Jewel Raja earned his spot in the ATK line up for the final and his talent may have shone through but it was not enough to keep him at the club another season.
He has since played for Minerva Punjab in an I-League division and will star for Pune City FC in the upcoming ISL season.
Also read: ISL 2017: Dengue-hit ATK academy in fear of closing down?
Lalrindika Ralte
'Dika', as he is fondly known, was on loan at ATK and played a huge part for the club through their title winning campaign. His talent has already made him a favourite for International success and he is slowly making strides in his career.
The upcoming season of the ISL will see him play for NorthEast United, where he will partner former East Bengal teammate Rowlin Borges in midfield.
Sameehg Doutie
Doutie was a huge addition to the ATK squad and his five goals proved imperative to the challenge of the Kolkata side. His 26 appearances at the club from the wing position proved potent in attack and his move to Jamshedpur FC could prove lucrative for the side.
Doutie will surely be missed around all of Kolkata.
Hélder Postiga
He may have been substituted in the final, but the aura surrounding Helder Postiga was there for all to see. Having taken Portugal to dizzy heights in Europe, the striker quickly made Kolkata his home between two stints at ATK.
He scored four goals in total and made himself a fan favourite at the club ever since. However, he hung up his boots at the end of the previous season.
Iain Hume
Who better to end this list than iconic striker Iain Hume himself1 His electric start to life in India with the Blasters was taken to the next level after he arrived at ATK, scoring an incredible 18 goals in just 30 appearances.
The record-breaking striker was undoubtedly the real reason that the club won the league and his departure to Kerala for the upcoming season will be a severe blow to life around the Bengal capital.
Also read: ISL 2017: Top 5 players likely to win the Golden Boot this season
