5 most represented foreign nations in Indian Super League
The Indian Super League contains a very good mix of foreign players, many of them players who have achieved a great deal in their careers playing in Europe.What makes the league unique is the close interaction between foreign and Indian players and the mentoring role that many stars from abroad have taken up to help the Indian players.The chance to learn from and play with such experienced and talented teammates is something that can only do good for the young Indian players and the hope is that this will aid in their development.What having many foreign players also does is that it establishes different cultures and philosophies of playing football across different teams and thus exposes the Indian players to different systems they can observe and learn from.Here, we look at 5 foreign countries that contribute the most number of players to the ISL:
#5 Portugal
While the Portuguese national side may not among the best in the world, there is no doubt that players from the Iberian peninsula have individual quality which sets them apart.
4 Portuguese players are plying their trade in the ISL this year. Northeast United have 2 of them in Simao Sabrosa and Silas. Both these midfielders haven’t yet made their mark this season, but they’ll be itching to get their team out of the bottom half.
Simao will be hoping some of his global playing experience helps his teammates who are in dire need of some inspiration. The former Barcelona player hasn’t had the chance to show what he is capable off and we won’t be surprised if he helps his team dig out of bottom place using his set piece and dribbling skills.
Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters have one Portuguese player each in their squad, with Helder Postiga having already made his mark for the former, as he scored two goals in the ISL season opener in 2015 to give his team a 3-2 win over Chennaiyin FC.