#4 Stiven Mendoza
The Columbian is one of the best players to have ever graced the Indian Super League, and his departure from Chennaiyin FC has made a void too difficult to fill. Dudu Omagbeni and Stefan Succi are no pushovers, but Mendoza was a different class altogether. The charisma and quality was so good that even Jeje Lalpekhlua, in Mendoza’s company, looked a much better striker.
Having taken the Super Machans to the semi-finals in the first season and to the title last season, Mendoza was easily the most destructive and explosive striker in the league. The fleet-footed forward scored 17 goals in just 25 appearances for the Chennaiyin FC, and has left for the New York City FC where he shares the field alongside footballing legends like David Villa and Andrea Pirlo.
Ever since Mendoza’s departure, Chennaiyin FC have looked off-color and have failed to find that flavor in the attacking third. Bruno Pelissari’s departure too, has hurt the Chennai-based side and Coach Marco Materazzi has accepted the fact that his team has missed the two mercurial forwards. The Machans have failed to make it to the semi-finals for the first time in three seasons, which speaks highly of the loss in the attacking third.
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