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The second edition of the Indian Super League is close to the business end now and there have been several popular additions to the league this season, with the likes of Roberto Carlos, John Arne Riise, Helder Postiga, Simao Sabrosa and Sunil Chhetri all joining.However, there are a few players who enthralled us with their displays in the first season but are not playing in the league this season. We take a look at some of the players who we miss in the 2nd season of the ISL:
#1 Luis Garcia
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Liverpool legend Luis Garcia was a fan favourite in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, and won the “Most Exciting Player” award. The Spaniard, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, was the captain of Atletico de Kolkata and played a key role in their title win.
Although he scored just two goals, and assisted another two in 13 appearances for the Kolkata side, the fans took to him very quickly. Garcia made life difficult for the opposition defenders with his creativity and sublime passing skills that helped create many chances for the others in the team.
The Spaniard will be missed, and Atletico have found it very difficult to replace their captain, who was one of the best attacking midfielders in the league last year.
#2 Marco Materazzi
The former Inter Milan star was unveiled as the player-manager of Chennaiyin FC in the inaugural season. Though he could only play six games last season, Materazzi quickly became a fan favourite among the Chennaiyin FC fans.
Under him, the team from Chennai finished at the top of the league during the group stages and were the most entertaining side in the league. He picked himself to play for the first time in a 5-1 win over Mumbai City FC, and also played with his former international teammate Alessandro Nesta later in the tournament.
Materazzi, who has won the World Cup, the Champions League and five Serie A titles, will be missed on the pitch by the Chennai fans. His decision to not play this season has definitely deprived the fans of his on-field presence, but he remains the head coach of the team. Though his team lie at the bottom right now, he will be looking to rectify the issues and take his team to the top.
#3 Robert Pires
World Cup winner Robert Pires, who was also a part of the famed Arsenal Invincilbes team, was FC Goa’s marquee signing last season. Pires had retired in 2011, but couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League.
He made eight appearances for FC Goa last season, who were knocked out of the semi-finals by eventual winners Atletico de Kolkata. He made his debut for FC Goa in a 2-1 defeat to Chennaiyin FC and later scored in the tournament in a 4-1 win against Delhi Dynamos. He was very disappointed that his team failed to win the tournament despite being one of the best sides.
The 41-year-old was not retained this season due to fitness concerns, but his presence on the field was something different, and is thoroughly being missed this season.
#4 David James
Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James was signed as player-manager by Kerala Blasters in the inaugural season. The 45-year-old made 12 appearances for Kerala Blasters and made his debut for them in a 1-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC.
Kerala, who enjoy the most passionate fan following in the Indian Super League, were lucky to have David James as he came up with several top notch performances to guide them to the finals of the Indian Super League.
David James, who started himself in between the sticks in the final, made several good saves but couldn’t save his team from sufferring a late 1-0 defeat against Atletico de Kolkata.
His enigmatic presence is definitely being missed by his team in the second season of the Indian Super League, as they have found it difficult to replicate their form from the first season.
#5 Koke
La Liga side Malaga’s youth product Koke made headlines during the first season of the Indian Super League due to his brilliant performances for NorthEast United FC. The Spaniard scored on his debut in a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters and then scored from a spot-kick in a 1-1 draw against FC Goa.
There was no stopping him as he scored a late goal in a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC. Koke also scored the only goal for NorthEast United in his team’s last group stage match against Mumbai City in a 1-1 draw. The 32-year-old earned his team six points with his goals, a staggering amount when you consider they amassed a total of 15 points in the league.
The young North-east team have found it tough so far this season as they continue to fight to get into the play-offs and Koke is definitely a big miss for them.
