ISL 2019-20: 5 Reasons why ATK are atop of the table

#3 Good bench strength

The competition is so rigid in ATK that the likes of Komal Thatal have found it tough to find playing time

ATK spent heavily on the transfer market not only to get their starting eleven right but to also have formidable substitutes.

Anas Edathodika was suspended for their first fixture but Carl McHugh took his position in the back-three. The Republic of Ireland native was promoted to the defensive midfield position in the next match and Pronay Halder sat the contest out.

Since then, Pronay Halder, Jayesh Rane, and Sehnaj Singh have taken turns at slotting in the centre of the midfield. Javi Hernandez used to take care of the attacking duties in the midfield but Edu Garcia's splendid form from the bench forced Habas to give him a start as the season progressed.

The likes of Komal Thatal, Joby Justin, and Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem would have found a space in the playing eleven for many ISL teams but the quality upfront means they have to be content with sitting at the bench.