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The Indian Super League is halfway through and the tournament has been very competitive so far. 7 points separate the 8 teams, which is evidence of the tournament’s unpredictability. The teams are coming along well, and we’ve seen a return of 63 goals from the 28 games played so far.On the other hand, the rather sub-par performances of Del Piero and Ranti Martins have affected the Delhi and the Goan outfits respectively. The other franchises have all seen their foreign strikers perform very well. Here’s a look at 5 foreign strikers who have been very influential so far:
#1 Fikru - Atletico de Kolkata
The first goal scorer of the Indian Super League has been instrumental in Atletico de Kolkata’s flying start to the inaugral season. The 28 year old striker, who hails from Ethiopia, has probably been the pick of the target men in the whole league. He was spotted by Atletico de Kolkata’s coach - Antonio Habas in South Africa, where they both were involved in their respective capacities.
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Fikru still represents his country at the international level, unlike many other foreigners plying their trade in the league. A splendid record of 3 goals and 2 assists from 5 appearances has made him a popular figure amongst the viewers, and he is a fan favourite in Kolkata. His brilliant play upfront has complimented the brilliance of the Kolkata midfield.
His delicate touches in the box and his attacking intent and acumen could very well pave the way for the Ethiopian to be the one of the top scorers of the league.
#2 Dudu Omagbemi - FC Pune City
The man who has been a part of Indian football since the NFL days, is on a roll for FC Pune City. When Columba’s side were missing David Trezeguet, one could not have imagined them shooting up the table the way they have done recently. The 29 year old Nigerian is on loan from I-league club East Bengal and in a much travelled career, has played in Hungary, Poland and Finland as well.
Dudu has been a handful in all the games he’s started and has held up the ball very well. His link-up play and finishing came very handy in Pune City’s away win over Atletico de Kolkata. Omagbemi was absolutely sensational as Pune ended the home team’s unbeaten run.
He’s earned much praise from his teammates and it clear the team from Pune relies very heavily on him, much more than they could on the ageing David Trezeguet.
#3 Koke - NorthEast United FC
Sergio Contreras Pardo, also known as Koke, has been central to the NorthEast United FC’s performances till now. The Spanish no. 10 has been an orchestrator for the Highlanders in the attacking third. The amount of times the opposing defence has been split by the former Malaga player is a testament to the level of quality and the consistency he’s brought in to Ricki Herbert’s side.
He is a very well travelled footballer, having spent time in Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, United States, Azerbaijan, Germany and Bolivia before coming to India, has also scored 3 very crucial goals himself. His first half volley snatched all 3 points in their opening home game against Kerala Blasters while the last one helped snatch a point against the in-form Chennayin FC.
#4 John Stiven Mendoza - Chennaiyin FC
The Columbian forward has lead Chennayin FC’s line with great vigour and has been consistent with his performances throughout the league. He has show great understanding with his Indian strike partners Jeje and Balwant Singh, and has combined very well with Elano. Mendoza has been a fixture in Marco Materazzi’s starting eleven.
He has been a constant threat with his pace and darting runs and it comes as no surprise that his team has scored the most number of goals in the ISL. His brace against Mumbai City FC, the equalizer against FC Pune City and his overall presence in and around the box have worked very well for Materazzi and are a major reason why Chennaiyin have been the best team going forward.
The ex-Deportivo Cali frontman is going from strength to strength and has been unlucky as he has hit the woodwork on a number of occasions. Pace, movement, a powerful left foot and a knack for taking accurate long rangers have made him probably the most dangerous striker in the league.
#5 Nicolas Anelka - Mumbai City FC
The Frenchman got his first chance to play after the first 3 games since he was serving a ban from his time at West Bromwich Albion. His inclusion in the team has coincided with Mumbai City’s rise to the top 4. The man who has plied his trade in England, France, Spain, Turkey, Italy and China has been perfect for Peter Reid’s side. The former Premier League winner has combined well with his team-mates and has been clinical when given an opportunity.
Anelka scored the decisive goals in both of Mumbai’s consecutive 1-0 home wins against Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos. The immaculate freekick against the team from the south was the turning point of Mumbai’s fortunes in the league. His second goal was again the difference between the two sides. The lift that he has provided to the team, alongwith his ruthless play might just be the difference when the league reaches its latter stages.
