The presence of marquee players in the Indian Super League has given a new dimension to Indian football, with several star players and football legends making their foray into India and taking part in the three-month long football tournament.
The foreign stars at the disposal of the eight franchisees this season have the potential to take on the best in the world. From the likes of Nicolas Anelka to Roberto Carlos, the list is endless. And although all these star players have never come together for any exhibition game as such, it can only be left to one's imagination as to what the outcome could be when they team up to play alongside each other.
Here is a combined foreign players XI from the second season of the Indian Super League:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper:
Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC) - The Cameroon-born Armenian goalkeeper was one of the instrumental players of the Indian Super League last season, as the former Paris St-Germain man played his part in helping Atletico de Kolkata clinch the ISL title last season. The 29-year-old became a household name after his acrobatic save in the 83rd minute in the final of the ISL against Kerala Blasters last season.
Edel appeared in nine games for ATK in the last edition and kept four clean sheets, and this season, he will be hoping to replicate the same form as he takes to the field in Chennaiyin FC colours.
Centre backs:
Lucio (FC Goa) - The formidable presence of a lanky Brazil centre-back is a threat to any forward in the world, and if someone of the stature of Lucio is manning the barricades, there is almost miniscule to no chance at all for forwards to make their run. A World Cup winner with the Selecao in 2002, as well a three-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern Munich, and a Serie A winner with Inter Milan, Lucio is expected to heat things for the FC Goa backline in the ISL.
Carlos Marchena (Kerala Blasters) - The 36-year-old Valencia legend's aggression and no-nonsense approach is one of the key elements of his defensive abilities, and the Spaniard can ne expected to add that extra strength to the Kerala Blasters backline this season. The World Cup and the Euro winner can also make decent runs during the play to support the midfielders and the attackers, and also once-in-a-while, take a shot on goal himself.
Full-backs:
John Arne Riise (Delhi Dynamos) - The former Liverpool left-back has been just superlative since his arrival at Delhi Dynamos this summer. The Norwegian has been on the scoresheet for the Delhi outfit on several occasions in the presesaon tour, and his ability of both going on an attack and tracking back in defence, is praiseworthy.
The 35-year-old, who is the winner of a UEFA Champions League title and the FA Cup with the Reds, is still going strong at his age, and he can be the perfect addition in the left-back department.
Bernard Mendy (Chennaiyin FC) - The former PSG utility player was a complete revelation in the ISL last year with Chennaiyin FC, and he is expected to continue his momentum this season. From defence to attack, the 34-year-old Frenchman remained a formidable figure as the Chennai-based side finished as the league leaders in the ISL last season.
His addition at right-back is set to bolster the defence.
Midfielders:
Borja Fernandes (Atletico de Kolkata) - Although the Spanish defensive midfielder did not make much of a name for himself, the gifted tactical acumen he possesses can add that extra zing to any football club in the world. The former Real Madrid man played an instrumental role for Atletico de Kolkata last season, as he connected the defence and attack with ease, and controlled the play in the smoothest way possible.
Elano (Chennaiyin FC) - The former Manchester City midfielder was one of the most lethal attacking midfielders in the ISL last year, as he scored and assisted and provided incisive balls to lead Chennaiyin FC to scoring plenty of goals. The 34-year-old, who played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup for Brazil, scored eight goals in nine games for Chennaiyin, and that is a formidable stat in itself.
Simao (NorthEast United FC) - Simao can easily take on the role of a left midfielder and make use of his dribbling and crossing skills in the attacking third to get the fast pace of the game going. His addition to NorthEast United FC this season as the marquee player is also expected to strengthen the attack for the ISL side when compared to last season.
Forwards:
Adrian Mutu (FC Pune City) - The 36-year-old Romanian was one of the most feared strikers in the world in the Serie A. His goalscoring form -- which includes 35 goals in 77 appearances for Romania -- and oodles of experience is surely going to give FC Pune City that much-needed attacking teeth in the attacking line.
Helder Postiga (Atletico de Kolkata) - The Portugal international, who is fresh from playing a part in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, has already given Atletico de Kolkata the much-needed boost ahead of the ISL. The 33-year-old remained on the scoresheet in the first preseason game of the season for the Kolkata franchise, and if one can recall, his late equaliser against England in the quarterfinals of Euro 2004 was probably the most crucial goal of his career.
Nicolas Anelka (Mumbai City FC) - A prolific goalscorer for various Premier League teams in the past, Anelka needs no introduction. A lethal presence anywhere within the 18-yard box, the Frenchman has the ability to convert any chance that falls in his path. And with the presence of Postiga and Mutu just behind him, the 36-year-old cannot be a more happy man in this dream ISL foreigners team.
