ISL 2016: 5 players who have severely under-performed this season

If you’ve been disappointed with the third edition of the Indian Super League so far, then you’re not the only ones. With only the last quarter of the season to go, the matches have all been hard fought, with the games mostly being more tactical and low scoring affairs, and that doesn’t always make for the best entertainment. But instead of bemoaning the limited excitement, except when Kerala Blasters play at home, it is heartening to see Indian and foreign players come together to put up such a resilient efforts for their respective teams.

While everyone has been doing their best to out-perform each other, there are some names who have struggled to impress despite high expectations from their teams and supporters. As the intensity and tempo increased, some have found themselves fumbling to find their form.

Read on to see which players have failed to impress so far this season:

#5 Michael Chopra

Michael Chopra might still be hoping to represent the Indian national team at 35, but anyone who has followed the ISL this year will know better. After a disappointing first season where he was criticised for his lack of fitness, Chopra returned to Kerala Blasters this season and even did early pre-season training with DSK Shivajians to work on his ankle injury and fitness this time around.

However, despite his tall claims, his performances for Kerala have been underwhelming once again. Playing just behind the striker, Chopra has spent far too much time in his own half facing his own goal. His lack of speed has also proved to be a crucial weakness for his team as opponents have found it easy to pick them apart along the flanks and on the counter. It’s fortunate that CK Vineeth is back from his duties with FC Bengaluru as Chopra can now occupy the bench where he belongs.