Follow former Hero ISL star Arata Izumi as he gives you a players perspective on all things ISL over the course of the 2018-19 season. New posts every week exclusively on indiansuperleague.com. Connect with Arata on Instagram @arataizumi or Twitter @neel0731

Hero ISL 2018-19: Exciting times ahead

The 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) is less than a week away and I couldn’t be more excited. I featured in three previous seasons, but this time around I will be one of the many passionate spectators keeping a close eye on all the nail-biting action from the stands. I thought we could start this column off by having an overview of the contenders for the league crown this season, with a special focus on my former clubs – ATK, Kerala Blasters FC and FC Pune City.

New-look ATK
During my stint with ATK in 2015, I believe we played the best football in the league – solid in defence, creative in midfield and quick and effective in attack. But more than anything, we played well as a team.

Looking at the current ATK squad, they seem solid on paper. With Steve Coppell at the helm – and he’s had an impressive record in the Hero ISL so far – I am sure that the team will be defensively strong. Their attack also looks formidable with Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche upfront. If the pair is provided with proper service, we could see ATK banging in goals for fun! The one area that gives me cause for concern though is in midfield. I’m not too sure if the midfielders have the ability to aid their strikers in attack and provide cover in defence. On the whole, I believe ATK can contend for the top spot, but whether they have what it takes to go all the way remains to be seen.

Kerala’s brightest prospects

Prior to my retirement, I had represented Kerala Blasters FC during the 2017-18 campaign. I have fond memories of my time with the club and I will be rooting for them when the season kicks off.

One thing that will be crucial to David James’ side this year is the relationship between the defence, midfield, and attack. They have good pace at the centre of the park but a leader, who can orchestrate proceedings, seems to be missing. I am really looking forward to seeing Deependra Negi play this season. He lacks proper physical strength but has an abundance of creativity and skill.

With Sandesh Jhingan and Anas Edathodika at the back, the defence stands out. If Lalruatthara starts to read the game better, he could turn into one of the best full-backs in the league. Dheeraj Singh may be inexperienced, but he could prove to be saviour between the sticks.

How can Hume help Pune?
Finally looking at FC Pune City, their forward line looks extremely good on paper. Miguel Angel Portugal has three quality strikers in Iain Hume, Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro.

Hume’s transfer to the Stallions is my pick for the signing of the season. As the Hero ISL’s all-time top goal scorer, he brings plenty of firepower to the table. Hume’s injury concerns will be a problem initially, but he provides so much positivity to the team with his character and charisma. Having spent some time watching Hume up close at Kerala Blasters, I was awestruck by his passion and dedication to the game. I truly feel honoured to have shared the pitch with a player of his calibre. On a side note, my daughter is also a huge fan of him which always adds brownie points.

Rest of the field…

Can defending champions Chennaiyin FC become the first team in the Hero ISL to retain the crown? I think it’s possible. What I admire most about their squad is the unity! And with the presence of experienced defenders like Inigo Calderon and Mailson Alves, they are going to be a tough nut to crack. The absence of Dhanpal Ganesh in midfield could prove to be a problem defensively, but Rafael Augusto and Jeje Lalpekhlua will provide the necessary guile and firepower upfront.

My two other picks for the title would be Bengaluru FC and FC Goa. The Blues have a well-balanced team as they did last season and are definitely one of the frontrunners. Goa look like they have the most effective midfield line in the league with copious amounts of speed, creativity, and work ethic. I have not had a look at the new defenders they have brought in, but it was one area which proved to be their downfall earlier. Lastly, the form of Ferran Corominas will be vital for the Gaurs, given that their bench strength is relatively tame.

To sum it up, ATK, Bengaluru, Chennaiyin and FC Goa would be my picks for the title this season. The Blasters have a good squad under David James but will also need a slice of luck to make it to the semi-finals. Despite the addition of Iain Hume, Pune’s defence and midfield seem incomplete and I don’t see them making the play-offs in 2019. Here’s to another smashing Hero ISL ahead!