Indian Super League Auction and Draft: Team Ratings
The Indian Super League held its first auction in Mumbai on the 10th of July where ten Indian players were put up for auction. It was the first time in India that in a player auction all the participants were bought by a team. The highest bid received was for Sunil Chhetri for a massive Rs. 1.20 crores while his Bengaluru FC teammate Rino Anto, with a base price of only Rs. 17.5 lakhs was sold for an astounding Rs.90 lakhs.The ISL domestic player draft began after the auction with teams trying to complete their squads for the league. Here is the performance of the teams in the auction and draft.
#1 Atletico de Kolkata
Champions in the inaugural season of the ISL, Atletico de Kolkata having retained quite a few players and signed a few more from their rivals, were expected to have a quiet day during the auction.
However, they spent over Rs.1.60 crores in the auction alone to strengthen their team even further. Midfielder Arata Izumi was signed for Rs. 68 lakhs while versatile defender Rino Anto cost them Rs.90 lakhs. Arata will give them an experienced and stable midfield along with the creativity he is renowned for while Anto has the capability of playing on either side of the defence.
In terms of the draft, the Kolkata side opted to pick two keepers Amrinder Singh and Kunzang Bhutia as backups for Juan Calatayud. In defence where they already had Mondal Josemi and Tiri, the reigning Champions signed up Salgaocar defender Augustin Fernandes. In Ian Hume, they have a guarantee of goals as well for the upcoming campaign.
All in all Atletico look to have a acquired a squad good enough to launch a strong title defense.
Verdict – 8/10