The Indian Super League will be back in just over a week’s time for its eighth edition and all eleven teams have started their preparations in full swing as we edge close to the country’s top-flight league. The ISL has been a home for many overseas players who have played a huge role in the development of the league. So without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the top International players set to feature in the 2021-22 season of the Indian Super League:
1. Hugo Boumous – ATK Mohun Bagan
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In a surprising turn of events, ATK Mohun Bagan took away Mumbai City’s most prized asset Hugo Boumous for the 2021-22 season. With this move, the French attacking midfielder has now become the most expensive purchase for the second consecutive season in the ISL. Last season he broke the record with a move to The Islanders worth more than 1.7 crores INR from FC Goa and they recouped that amount by selling the french international to ATK Mohun Bagan for a record-breaking 2 Crores INR. In the 58 matches he has played in the ISL so far, Hugo has scored 19 goals and provided 24 assists. With his addition in the squad, the Mariners will hope to get back on the perch once again.
2. Mirlan Murzaev – Chennaiyin FC
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With the appointment of a new head coach Bozidar Bandovic, the Marina Machans have majorly revamped their foreign contingent and one player to look out for is the Kyrgyzstan International, Mirlan Murzaev. The 31-year-old’s primary position is to play as a right-winger but can also switch into an attacking midfielder or a False 9. Since the beginning of last season, Mirlan has scored eight goals in his 22 appearances and has been a consistent player to get his name on the scoresheet and the Southerners will be hoping he continues to stay in form.
3. Bartholomew Ogbeche – Hyderabad FC
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Bartholomew Ogbeche helped Mumbai City FC clinch their league double last season and has proved his worth with almost every club he has played for. In three seasons, the Nigerian international has registered 35 goals and six assists for North East United, Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City FC. This season he’ll be in the yellow & black colours of Hyderabad FC who missed out on their first play-off appearance last season. Hyderabad FC are a young team and they perhaps needed a leader on the pitch which they have finally got in the 37-year old striker.
4. Jonathas De Jesus – Odisha FC
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After a poor start to their ISL career, Odisha FC have roped in a number of top players in their squad which also includes the signing of 32-year-old Brazilian Jonathas De Jesus who arrived from UAE club Hatta. With him, he brings loads of experience of playing in La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, and the Eredivisie. Being a regular name on the scoresheet, this guy will be a defender’s nightmare. Last season, he scored six goals in ten appearances and Odisha FC will be hoping that he continues this form going into the 2021-22 season.
5. Igor Angulo – Mumbai City FC
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Like every team, a champion team too needs a few changes to refresh ahead of a new season and Mumbai City FC have aced it. With a change in management, Mumbai City will once again eye the major silverware and one of their best foreign acquisitions for this season is last year’s golden boot winner Igor Angulo. At 37, the Spaniard netted 14 times in 21 matches and led FC Goa to a top-four finish. As we know, Angulo is one of the most lethal strikers in India right now and his transfer to the Islanders squad makes them even stronger ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
[Featured Image Credit: Bartholomew Ogbeche]
Shashank Iyer