Hero Indian Super League season 7 has kicked off in a special way due to the coronavirus pandemic. Playing in a closed environment in Goa, the football league once again hyped every fan's interest in the country. Added to that, two Kolkata giants in the form of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have joined the unit this term. With existing ISL clubs tying up European heavyweights for football development in the country, things are looking more exciting than ever.
Likewise, foreigners get tempted to add their value to the league. Despite AIFF implementing the new rule to lessen foreign imposition to nurture more Indian players, foreigners provided quite a bit of impact in the opening month. We list five of those who caught the eye with their decisive performance to signal early dominance for their respective clubs.
Aridane Santana (Hyderabad FC)
The capture of Aridane Santana from fellow ISL side Odisha FC was clear intent from Hyderabad about their ambition this season. After a disastrous first season for the franchise, in which they finished last on the table, a turnover was required. Aridane's addition has been fruitful, to say the least in early exchanges. The 33-year-old scored 9 goals in 14 appearances for Odisha and already struck twice with his present side in the new season. In three games so far in the campaign, Aridane converted a spot-kick in the win against his former side and scored in the 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur in the latest outing. Aridane is turning to be a real goal threat. Hyderabad will be hoping that he carries on with his scoring form.
Carl McHugh (ATK Mohun Bagan)
With so many excellent foreign players making up the striker department, Carl McHugh's exceptional task in the ATK Mohun Bagan midfield shouldn't be left behind. The Irish colossal has been the definitive figure for coach Antonio Lopes Habas. McHugh's total domination in midfield has given his coach the confidence to implement counter-attacking tactics. As a result, the Kolkata giants have secured maximum points from the first three games. Last season he didn't feature much for ATK but now with Mohun Bagan he has shown his class. In the second game against East Bengal, McHugh was voted Man of the Match for his resolute performance. If Carl keeps up the consistency, the table-toppers will grow even stronger.
Igor Angulo (FC Goa)
The departure of FC Goa's talisman Ferran Corominas to Atletico Baleares was a hard one to take. So, the only host of this season's tournament needed someone to fill in his boots. In the opening three games of the season, the Goans failed to register a win in any of them. However, one man is becoming a mode of inspiration for the orange army. After an impressive stay in the Polish league, Igor Angulo arrived in Goa with big expectations. In these three games, he has clearly shown his prolific nature in front of the goal. Angulo struck twice in four minutes to overturn a two-goal deficit against Bengaluru before scoring a stunning equalizer against Northeast to announce his arrival. Goa is counting on him to be the man for them.
Nerijus Valkis (Jamshedpur FC)
The golden boot winner of last season has started where he has left. With Chennaiyan FC the last term, the Lithuanian goal machine scored 15 goals in 20 games to earn him the award. Now with Jamshedpur, he has started the new campaign with a bang. Nerijus Valkis just can't stop scoring. Though Jamshedpur languishes in seventh place with only 2 points earned so far, Valkis has maintained his impact in ISL. He scored in the defeat against his former side on the opening day before going to score two more in the 2-2 draw against Odisha. Valkis will be wanting that his goals earn more rewards for the team. He will be targeting yet another golden boot to his name.
Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)
The showman for ATK Mohun Bagan, Roy Krishna has begun the seventh season of the ISL in fiery fashion. History creator for the Green and Maroon Brigade, the Fiji striker has scored in every game so far. Roy is carrying his scintillating form of last season for his new side this time out. All three of his strikes had been a touch of class. He became the first-ever scorer for Mohun Bagan in ISL before netting in the inaugural Kolkata Derby in the competition. Roy doubled up his reputation by scoring a late winner against Odisha to help ATK Mohun Bagan tighten their grip on top of the chart. Krishna deservedly won the player of the month season award. His scoring boot is the one making ATK Mohun Bagan a team to beat this season.
