As Hero Indian Super League 2016 enters its second week, the action is heating up both on the pitch and off it. With almost 18,000 registrations and more than 13,000 teams created in this season’s ISL Fantasy, the competition to test one’s coaching credentials has never been fiercer. Still relatively early in the season with as many as 14 rounds to play, it could be anyone’s game. Here are some of the more consistent performers based on the opening rounds of ISL Fantasy that ensure you will not lose ground on your rivals.Roberto Volpato (Mumbai City FC)The Brazilian shot-stopper has been one of Mumbai City FC’s best players in Hero ISL 2016 and is yet to be beaten in goal. He has made seven saves for his team and boasts an unblemished record of two clean sheets in two appearances for Mumbai. The 37-year-old instils confidence to his backline and is likely to get stronger as the season develops, making him a prudent and smart buy for Rs 5.5 crore. With 15 points from two games, Volpato’s points-per-game average is better than any other keeper in the league.Sena Ralte (Mumbai City FC)A champion with Chennaiyin FC in Hero ISL 2015, it can be said that Sena Ralte is enjoying an even better season in the blue of Mumbai City FC this year. Adding solidity to Mumbai’s defence, Ralte has made a promising start to Hero ISL 2016. An integral cog in the only defence yet to concede a goal this season, Ralte’s 17 points from two games is the best by any defender in the league. In addition to his five recovered balls this year, Ralte’s invention in attack is another bonus to your fantasy team. Available at Rs 4.5 crore, surely his acquisition must be a no-brainer.Javi Lara (Atlético de Kolkata)Javi Lara has been one of Atlético de Kolkata’s most impressive performers in their opening two matches of the season. The Spanish attacker’s vision has been key in attack for ATK as he unlocks opposition defences time and again with his incisive passing and adventurous wing-play. He has already had a taste of goal and is certain to find the back of the net more frequently for Kolkata as the season progresses. Available at Rs 8 crore and with 17 points from two games, Lara can be one of the highest scoring midfielders in ISL Fantasy come the end of the season.Matias Defederico (Mumbai City FC)In terms of top point-scoring midfielders in ISL Fantasy only Matias Defederico of Mumbai City FC averages more points per game than Lara. The Argentine midfielder, playing his first Hero ISL season with Mumbai this year, has the making of an important figure for Mumbai come the business end of the season. His trickery on the ball and clinical left-foot has already seen him score once for Mumbai this year. Available at a bargain price of Rs 6 crore and with more points per game (19) than any midfielder in the league, Defederico surely has what it takes to be the difference maker on the pitch as well as in your ISL Fantasy team.Marcelinho (Delhi Dynamos FC)Marcelinho took Hero ISL 2016 by storm on his debut after a scintillating performance helped the Lions emerge as 3-1 winners against defending champions Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The Brazilian scored a brilliant brace for the Dynamos and was a liver-wire throughout the course of the 90 minutes that saw him run the Super Machans’ backline ragged with his pace and trickery. He is available at Rs 7.5 crore and is the highest scoring forward in ISL Fantasy with an average of nine points.
