Top 5 foreign recruits in the 2015 Hero I-League season

Foreigners play a crucial role in an Indian club’s successThe standard of the I-League enhances due to the presence of the foreign players who ply their trade with several clubs in India. Sometimes, there are mixed opinions regarding allowing foreign players to play in the I-League as they supposedly create a hindrance for the young Indian players to grow.In my opinion, the presence of foreign recruits improves the standard of football in the I-League. The Indian players too can improve themselves by playing alongside quality foreigners. As it is, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is strict regarding allowing just four foreigners per club in the league.Many quality international players have played in various I-League clubs in the past. They have done fairly well and they always play a crucial role in their team’s success. None can deny the fact that in the present circumstances a club’s success depends on its foreign player selection.We have listed the top 5 foreign recruits in Hero I-league this season.

#1 Darko Nikac - Pune FC

Pune FC’s marquee signing Darko Nikac

Darko Nikac joined Pune FC last month as their marquee player for I-League 2014/15 season. He came from Montenegrian club Buducnost Podgorica. The 24-year-old forward is a member of the Montenegro national football team, who rank 65th in the world right now.

Understandably, Darko is player of great capability compared to Indian football standard. He lived up to expectations right from his very first game for Pune FC. He scored his maiden goal against Bengaluru FC in his team’s 3-1 victory and then scored in the next two games.

Nikac is already proving to be a great buy for Karim Bencherifa’s side and undoubtedly one of the most high profile buys of this year’s I-League.