INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE TEAM ANALYSIS

INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE TEAM ANALYSIS

With just eight days to go for the inaugural Indian Super League which starts on the 12th of October, looks like it would be a one big gala event. With the respective team's star players signed, arrived and started their training regime the league promises to take Indian football to a whole new level. But ISL isn't all about the star players and glamour! Its about grass root development. The main focus of ISL is to find new talents, help make new pitches and bring a proper structure to Indian football.

Each and every team has its own set of coaches who have help train their local city kids and find a set of new talents for their ISL team's. This might be stepping stone for many kids, who cannot afford to participate or who couldn't pay to get a proper training. And as for large set of fans who follow football in India, will finally get themselves a chance to see world class players playing live alongside their Indian counterparts. All in all the venture looks to be a success to us already. Now moving from the grass roots to the participating clubs.

1) ATLÉTICO DE KOLKATA

Kolkata, or the Mecca of Indian football adds another jewel to its crown of clubs. Mohan Bagan and East Bengal the two historic Indian football clubs get another club to accompany them and maintain, the tradition and pride of city. When it comes to football, The Bengalis are very passionate about them, they take immense pride in supporting their teams. When these two sides meet each other in the Kolkata derbies there are no friends. But the ISL club Atletico de Kolkata, will bring the two set of supporters together as they cheer for one club, the whole city of Kolkata and Bengal will be in full force supporting their new team.

Marquee player: Luis Garcia, Borja Fernandez

Home stadium: Salt Lake Stadium

First fixture: vs Mumbai City Fc (Home)

2) CHENNAIYIN FC

The team from down south of India, look all set to upset the odds and win the very first Indian super league. The Abhishek Bachchan co-owned side, have done some smart business; as they snapped up, the Italy and Inter legend Marco Materazzi as their player manager. With Marco's vast experience on the international stage, the Chennai side could be termed as the Dark horses. In Mikael Silvestre they have a calm headed player, who can keep the ball moving and make vital passes from the defense. But their major coup has to be their Brazilian marqee signing Elano Blumer. Elano brings in the flavor of samba and style to the side, his eye for passes in the final third could be the key to the sides success. With Indian players like Jeje and Gouramangi Singh the team looks set to compete with the very best.

Marquee player: Elano Blumer, Silvestre, Marco Materazzi

Home stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai

First Fixture: vs Fc Goa (Away)

3) DELHI DYNAMOS FC

From south now we fly back to the north part of the country, to the Capital of India; Delhi. Owned by Delhi based network provider, DEN network in association with Dutch club Feyenoord, have managed to sign the biggest of names from the ISL draft; Del Piero. The Italian is a legend of the game in every sense, he played 19 seasons for Juventus, out of which he captained them for 11 seasons. He has won all possible major trophies in football. The signing of Del Piero sent a signal of intent to all the other ISL team. Delhi who have formed a core around their Indian contingent look to build on it as the season progresses.

Marquee player: Alessandro Del Piero 

Home stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

First fixture: vs Fc Pune City (Home)

4) FC GOA

The beach capital of India is not only a great place for tourist, but is also known for its football roots due to the Portuguese rule in the past. Fc Goa have done very well to set up a great side with a few very well known faces in the world football circuit. The legendary Brazilian number 10, Zico Arthur takes charge of the side. With a marquee signing in Robert Pires, Goa have done well impress the Indian Arsenal fans. Another former Arsenal man has signed with the Goan outfit, Andre Santos. Overall a decent side for Zico to take charge of with Indian experienced heads like Clifford Miranda in the side, Goa are team to look forward too.

Marquee player: Robert Pires, Andres Santos

Home stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Goa

First fixture: vs Chennaiyin Fc (Home)

5) FC PUNE CITY

Fc Pune City's saying goes something like this "Live to Win", this shows how serious the team is at all levels. The Pune team has an all Italian staff, with coaches and managers directly associated with their tie up club, Fiorentina. David Trezeguet is Fc Pune's marquee signing. With him the club hope to reach the finals. With lots of Italians in the side, Pune will be expected to be the tactically disciplined side. The club have revealed their kit for the season. Orange and purple the two major making colours.

Marquee player: David Trezeguet, Adrian Mutu

Home stadium: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.

First fixture: vs Delhi Dynamos (Away)

6) KERALA BLASTERS FC

Kerala Blasters bring the spice of southern India along with their neighbours Chennai fc to the ISL. Owned by the most decorated sports star in the history of India - Sachin Tendulkar, Kerala look ready to play some attractive and entertaining football. Kerala have taken a brilliant decision of making David James, who was one of the best goalkeepers their player/coach. The other signing includes the half Indian and half English striker, Michael Chopra who again is a brilliant choice for a transfer. Kerala too have revealed their jersey for the season, with Sachin himself advertising his sides kit.

Marquee player: David James, Jamie McAllister, Michael Chopra

Home stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

First fixture: vs North East United (Away)

7) MUMBAI CITY FC

A city that never sleeps, now has its very own club - Mumbai City Fc. Managed by English man Peter Reid, Mumbai are a side with the real fire power. Karl Fredrik Ljungberg or just Ljungberg for many, is Ranbir Kapoor owned side's marquee signing along with Nicolas Anelka. Both the players have plenty of experience of their adventures with their respective clubs, at least Anelka does. The man who has played for 13 professional clubs, isn't short of experience when it comes to settling into new surroundings. Though much is expected from the island team, with fans eager to show their support to a sport which is on the rise every day. But needs to be seen if Mumbai would turn up for football as it turns up for the city's favourite sport cricket.

Marquee player: Fredrik Ljungberg, Nicolas Anelka, Javi Fernandez

Home stadium: D.Y Patil Stadium.

First fixture: vs Atletico de Kolkata (Away)

8) NORTHEAST UNITED FC

The eighth and the last club on the list of clubs to participate in the inaugural are the team from north east mountain ranges, are NorthEast United Fc. Co-owned by bollywood actor John Abraham and Shillong Lajong, the club might not possess much of the marquee names, other than Joan Capdevilla. But the one thing we all must applaud NorthEast United is that they given the local players a chance to shine. With such an initiative, it makes the youth believe that everyone has a chance. For the initiative to succeed, they have brought in a figure like Joan in the frame as their marquee signing. There are great exceptions from their fans that, the team will do well and out do the odds.

Marquee player: Joan Capdevilla 

Home stadium: Indira Gandhi Stadium

First fixture: vs Kerela Blasters (Home)