Delhi Dynamos FC are a club that have improved on a consistent basis over the course of the past three Hero Indian Super League (ISL) seasons. Fifth in the inaugural season and semi-finalists in Hero ISL 2015 and 2016, the Lions have been making slow but steady progress in the past three years and will be looking to go one better in the upcoming edition by making an appearance in the final.

The club from the north began their Hero ISL journey in 2014 with the legendary Alessandro Del Piero in their ranks. Even though the Italian combined well with Gustavo Dos Santos, they narrowly missed out on the semi-finals by a point. The following season saw them make their maiden semi-final appearance, however, FC Goa ensured that they didn’t go beyond the final four by overturning a 1-0 deficit in the second leg of their semis clash. Last season, the Lions were labeled the most entertaining side in the league owing to their free-scoring style of play. Brazilian Marcelinho formed a formidable partnership with ex-Chelsea winger Florent Malouda, the talented Kean Lewis and Ghanaian Richard Gadze. Marcelinho won the Golden Boot, Malouda was the Hero of the League and Kean Lewis also underlined his credentials. Yet even after having the best attacking record in the league, they fell to Kerala Blasters FC in the semis following a nightmare penalty shoot-out.

For the upcoming season, the cream of their successful attacking line has been completely changed. Marcelinho and Lewis have shifted allegiance to FC Pune City along with Marcos Tebar, who had his say last year in their midfield. Even their defensive pairing of Anas Edathodika and Souvik Chakrabarti won’t be lining up at the back for them this season. They did, however, boost their squad with some exciting new talent ahead of the new season.

Defence

Venezuelan centre-back Gabriel Cichero has plied his trade in the Serie A, Major League Soccer (MLS), Ligue 1 and the Argentine Primera Division. Having been a regular for his country in the past, the lanky 33-year-old will bring composure to their defence and can also play at left back. Furthermore, He’ll be a threat during attacking set-pieces and will be a key figure for them at the back this season. Right-back Pritam Kotal needs no introduction having played a pivotal role in defending champions ATK’s title triumph last year. Former FC Goa and Mumbai City centre-back Rowilson Rodrigues is another robust defender who is difficult outwit. Pratik Chowdhary will also solidify Delhi’s defence along with left-back Munmun Lugun, who began his Hero ISL journey with Delhi, but is yet to get a proper reckoning.

Midfield

The Delhi midfield boasts a nice blend of overseas players like Spanish midfielder Eduardo Moya, who has spent his entire career in Spanish divisions and is a handy multi-utility player. Paulinho Dias possesses the rare talent of being a prolific attacker when needed, while also displaying the ability to hold his own against swift attacks by opponents. However, he’s most comfortable playing in the holding role and can be expected to anchor Delhi’s midfield. The Dynamos have also roped in Uruguayan playmaker Matias Mirabaje, who has successfully plied his trade in South American leagues. He will be joined by 22-year-old Dutch winger Jeroen Lumu, who has the experience of playing in Netherlands, Turkey, Austria and Bulgaria. On the domestic front, Delhi have secured services of the tireless Seityasen Singh, who played his part to a tee over the last two seasons with NorthEast United FC. His pace down the flanks and pin-point crossing makes the 25-year-old a valuable asset. Also, part of the midfield is the highly-rated 20-year-old Vinit Rai, who’ll be looking to get some valuable minutes under his belt.

Attack

Former FC Pune City hitman Kalu Uche makes a return to the league with Delhi after a one-year absence. The powerful Nigerian is always a handful for any defender with his ability to run in behind defences and clinical finishing. He will have to spearhead the Dynamos’ frontline alongside Curacaoan forward Guyon Fernandez. Former Goa favourite Romeo Fernandes will also need to make his presence felt in attack despite primarily being a winger. He’ll have to contribute heavily in attack for the Lions this season by using his pace and trickery with the ball at his feet. Add the talented youngster Lallianzuala Chhangte into the mix and Delhi have reason to be optimistic about their title hopes.

The coach

Spaniard Miguel Angel Portugal takes up the reins as head coach this season. He comes with plenty of experience having played for Real Madrid and then coached their B-team. His influence is certain to add flair to Delhi’s style of play in keeping with the type of football they demonstrated in Hero ISL 2016.

Player to watch out for

Kalu Uche is Delhi’s only foreign recruit with Hero ISL experience making him key to their fortunes. He is capable of being a game-changer thanks to his athleticism, speed and strength. Uche will need to make his mark on the scoresheet if Delhi are to make their maiden final appearance.

Pre-season form

The Lions have played some pre-season friendlies at home of late and have comfortably come out on top with Uche, in particular, displaying fine form.

While it will be a challenge for Delhi to replicate last season’s free-flowing football, they certainly have the resources to make a strong title-charge. The good mix of experience and youth can propel them to the semi-finals and maybe even beyond.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Arnab Sharma, Sukhdev Patil

Defenders: Gabriel Cichero, Jayananda Singh Moirangthem, Lalhmangaihsanga Ralte, Mohammad Sajid Dhot, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Pratik Prabhakar Chowdhary, Pritam Kotal, Rowilson Rodrigues

Midfielders: Eduardo Moya Cantillo, Jeroen Lumu, Matias Mirabaje, Paulo Henrique Dias da Cruz, Seityasen Singh, Simranjit Singh, Vinit Rai

Forwards: David Khamchin Ngaihte, Guyon Louis Ursmarus Fernandes, Kalu Uche, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Romeo Fernandes

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2017-2018