ISL 2015: Top 5 Chennaiyin FC players to watch out for

All through the interaction with the media at the official launch of the squad for ISL 2015, both head coach Marco Materazzi and marquee player Elano Blumer stressed on the fact that Chennaiyin FC will never be reliant on one or two players to get the across the line. But, as is always the case in sport, a spark or a moment of individual brilliance can alter the course of a match. Chennaiyin have largely gone for the tried and tested for this season. They have kept their top performers from last year and added the likes of Fikru Teferra and Apoula Edel, who played vital roles in Atletico de Kolkata’s triumph last year. We take a look at 5 such players who will be vital to Chennai’s fortunes this year.

#5 Harmanjot Singh Khabra

The versatile Punjab-born player, on loan from East Bengal, was among Chennaiyin’s most consistent performers last year. Khabra played any role that he was asked with elan. He was used either in central midfield or at either of the full-back positions – and Khabra executed both roles to perfection.

With him possibly partnering Thoi Singh in anchoring Chennaiyin’s midfield, Khabra will be entrusted with doing the dirty work that frees the more creative players like Elano and Mendoza in attack.

Khabra won plaudits for his incredible energy and desire last year, and this time he will be looking to contribute more in an attacking sense to the sided. After all, he is called the ‘Assist King’ by his East Bengal teammates.

#4 Jeje Lalpekhlua

The top Indian goalscorer from ISL 2014, Jeje featured prominently in Materazzi’s plans last year and repaid his manager’s faith by scoring goals, including one in the second leg of the semi-final that brought Chennaiyin level on aggregate with the Kerala Blasters. Since last year’s ISL, Jeje has been a part of the I-League winning Mohun Bagan side and has also been a regular in Stephen Constantine’s plans for the national team, where he has partnered the likes of Robin Singh and Sunil Chhetri.

One obvious strength of Jeje is his game intelligence. He picks the perfect moments to make his runs in behind the defence and he is also someone who works his socks off with the energy levels in the 90th minute of a game remaining as high as they were in the first minute of the game.

With Fikru and Mendoza also there, Jeje is part of what looks a very threatening attack for Chennaiyin FC.

#3 Fikru Teferra

The big Ethiopian has shifted base from champions Atletico de Kolkata to Chennaiyin FC where he will provide the team with one thing the side lacked last year – physicality up front.

In spite of being rather well built and strong, Fikru is also a willing runner into the channels and has a certain finesse about him when he gets into goalscoring positions. That was evident as he finished ISL 2014 as the second highest goalscorer behind Elano.

At Atletico, Fikru struck up a decent partnership with Luis Garcia and he will be looking to get into his stride to do something similar with Elano. Both of them have been talking about how they are getting to know each other’s game better so that they can lead Chennaiyin and pump in the goals.

#2 John Stiven Mendoza

The little Colombian dynamo terrified opposition defences through the first half of last year’s ISL before a hamstring injury forced him to miss the remainder of the tournament. He fit Marco Materazzi’s plans perfectly, as his darting runs in behind defenders were picked out perfectly by Elano and the two struck up a handsome partnership.

Mendoza’s importance to Chennaiyin was reflected by the team’s relative struggles after he was sidelined. Too often, Chennaiyin relied on opponents’ errors or individual brilliance in the absence of him and Elano.

Chennaiyin have signed him on loan from Corinthians and Materazzi was thrilled to have Mendoza’s services back for yet another season.

#1 Elano Blumer

The Marquee Player. Last year’s winner of the Golden Boot. It will be safe to say that the mercurial Brazilian will once again be the leader of Chennaiyin’s charge towards the ISL crown. Elano’s skill on the ball, movement off it and his vision to pick out other players’ runs make him stand out in the no.10 role.

Last year, apart from his role on the pitch, Elano was seen actively mentoring the younger players in the team like Bruno Pelissari and Jeje Lalpekhlua. That aside, opponents will have his sublime set-pieces to worry about.

Of his eight goals last season, six came off set-pieces. Elano is already looking forward to this season where he will partner the likes of Fikru and John Stiven Mendoza.