One of the hallmarks of a great team is the ability to produce an almost telepathic chemistry between their players. Over the course of the past four years, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has been a witness to some devastating partnerships, which have proved to be the difference. With the 2018-19 campaign inching closer, we map out some of the most exciting partnerships to take centre-stage through the season from every club.

ATK

The two-time champions have completely overhauled their squad and have strengthened almost all their departments. However, the biggest improvement has been in defence with the recruitment of John Johnson, Andre Bikey and Gerson Vieira. Veteran Johnson has emerged as one of the finest defenders owing to his performances for Bengaluru FC over the years, while Vieira and Bikey were pivotal figures for Mumbai City and Jamshedpur FC respectively. With Steve Coppell managing the side, ATK look like a solid defensive unit heading into the season.

Bengaluru FC

Despite losing out in the final of the 2017-18 campaign, Bengaluru were arguably the best team in the league. One of the primary reasons for their brilliant showing was the attacking partnership between Sunil Chhetri and Miku. The duo registered 29 goals between them throughout last season, a testament to the kind of impact they had on the side. Their clinical finishing, telepathic understanding and big game performances were what separated them from the rest of the bunch and it is sure to be the club’s biggest asset ahead of the season.

Chennaiyin FC

Arguably the one thing that separated Chennaiyin from the rest of the pack last season was the leadership presence in the team. With the departure of former captain Henrique Sereno, the onus will lie with the likes of Inigo Calderon and Mailson Alves to marshal their troops. The defensive pairing was influential to their side’s run to victory last campaign both on and off the pitch and they would look to replicate much of the same solidity in the upcoming season, as they look to retain the title.

Delhi Dynamos FC

The appointment of new head coach Josep Gombau has led to a host of new signings for the Dynamos. With a completely revamped squad, it will be interesting to see how the Spanish coach deals with the quality of players at his disposal. Midfielders Rene Mihelic and Marcos Tebar were the most eye-catching signings for the club during the summer transfer window and their performances at the middle of the park will prove to be a deciding factor for Gombau and co. during Hero ISL 2018-19. 

FC Pune City

Pune City enter the upcoming season as one of the strongest competitors for the league crown. The Stallions possessed one of the strongest forward lines last season with Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho leading the charge. Together the duo contributed a total of 17 goals. This year, the Stallions have strengthened their attack even further with the signing of the league’s all-time top goalscorer Iain Hume. It will be interesting to see how head coach Miguel Portugal deploys his mercurial forwards upfront to reap the maximum benefits.

FC Goa

The most lethal attacking side of the 2017-18 campaign, Goa will look to continue where they left off once the season commences. However, the Gaurs will have to do without influential playmaker Manuel Lanzarote, who joined ATK during the summer. But head coach Sergio Lobera can still count on the likes of Ferran Corominas and Hugo Boumous to come up with the goods. The dynamic duo combined well during the later stages of last season as well as during the Hero Super Cup and look likely to steer the Goa ship for the upcoming campaign.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur struck arguably the biggest deal of the summer transfer window when they brought in Australian legend Tim Cahill to the JRD Tata Complex. With Sergio Cidoncha arriving earlier in the window, fans will be licking their lips, waiting in anticipation for their two new signings to take to the pitch under new head coach Cesar Ferrando. For a club whose attack was a worry last season, the new duo could well put those demons to rest and give Jamshedpur the much-needed boost.

Kerala Blasters FC

Often considered as the pillars of the Indian national team, the duo of Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika will be reunited at Kerala for the upcoming season. Anas, who has established himself as one of the finest defenders in the country returns to his home state this season. Jhingan and Anas have been playing together at the centre-back position in the national team for a few years now and have developed a solid understanding between themselves. Their experience in the league will certainly be an added advantage for Kerala this season.

Mumbai City FC

After a disappointing campaign last time around, Mumbai City will be hoping to bounce back when the new season starts. Paramount to their title hopes will be the performances of their defenders. After the departure of Gerson Vieira, the responsibility to hold the fort will lie on the shoulders of Lucian Goian and new signing Mario Klisura. Goian has been one of Hero ISL’s standout defenders over the years and his partnership with Klisura at the back will prove vital to the Islanders’ chances this season.

NorthEast United FC

The Highlanders are another team that has witnessed a sea change over the summer, with former assistant coach Eelco Schattorie calling the shots. However, the combination of Rowllin Borges and Nikhil Kadam at the centre of the pitch will be of primary importance. Borges has been a mainstay in the NorthEast set up and will be the man responsible for leading their charge, while Kadam had an impressive last season with Mohun Bagan. Borges’ hold up play combined with Kadam’s creative prowess could be the driving force for NorthEast this season.