This season’s ISL has seen many Indian wingers stepping up be it Bipin, Hali, Rahul KP or Jerry. We also have a strong contingent of foreign wingers who have lit up the league this season. But who are the top 5 foreign wingers of this year’s ISL? Let’s find out.
5. Cy Goddard
In Mumbai City FC’s winning campaign, Cy Goddard has found it hard to get into the starting 11 mainly because only 5 foreigners are allowed to be in the 11. The Japanese, however, has been an impact substitute for MCFC on multiple occasions. He has provided much needed energy off the bench and has stepped up when MCFC needed him to.
A modern right sided winger, with an ability to cut in and shoot or go on the outside and get dangerous crosses in, Cy has more than impressed whenever he has played. He has always provided the creative spark that MCFC sometimes might have lacked. With 1 goal and 3 assists to his name, Cy has proved that he has a lot to offer in an already star studded MCFC team.
4. Joel Chianese
Joel Chianese is one player who has gone under the radar with his teammates in the limelight. The Australian, however, has been equally important for Hyderabad FC this season. Joel Chianese, signed from Perth Glory, did not start his campaign well. Injuries restricted his playing time for his new club. During this period, Hyderabad FC had won just 1 out of the 6 games that Chianese missed due to injury. A fully fit Chianese resulted in an upturn of form for Hyderabad FC.
Joel Chianese in his maiden season has 3 goals and 1 assist from 12 games. He averages a goal or an assist every 120 minutes. An intelligent footballer with an eye for goal, Chianese has been a perfect partner for a target man like Aridane Santana. He always moves around Santana, waiting for his flicks or knock downs and using his pace to beat defenders. The Australian’s movement, touches and intelligence makes HFC’s attack much more potent. Another important characteristic Chianese possesses is versatility. Manolo Marquez has played Chianese, in a variety of positions and he has excelled in every single one of them. Joel Chianese is the pivotal cog of this phenomenal Hyderabad FC team, and the one who makes them tick.