5 most influential midfielders in the ISL
Midfielders are arguably the most important link in football. Orchestrating play from the centre of the park, these players have to contribute in all areas of the game. Responsible for bringing the ball out of opposition attacks and to score pile-divers on critical junctures, it is a midfielder’s day job to create a chance out of nowhere, to mesmerise and also to score.
A settled midfield is a coach’s delight. Ask Luis Enrique, who has a Sergio Busquets-Ivan Rakitic-Andres Iniesta to call. Tireless in defence, midfielders also need to have the vision to look for that one killer pass, one threaded delivery to break open defences.
Here, we take a look at the 5 most influential midfielders in the history of ISL.
#1 Borja Fernandez
The first foreign player to sign for the ISL remains one of the most important ever. Borja, as he is famously known, is to Atletico de Kolkata’s midfield what N’Golo Kante was to Leicester City last season. Known for his strong presence and leadership abilities, Borja is the first name on the team-sheet and leads by example.
The former Getafe player, at 33, has loads of experience and is very effective on the field. A towering presence, Borja is capable of winning balls off the feet and in the air equally well. Also capable of finding a pass in the final third, his presence allows his attacking players a lot more freedom to express themselves.
Having led his side to the ISL victory in 2014, Borja has undeniably made his presence felt in the centre of the park. The Spanish midfielder would be taking the field for the third consecutive year for ATK and would try to make sure the fans keep smiling by the tournament ends.