New Delhi: Conceptualised for the development of football in the country, official statistics question the purpose for which the Indian Super League (ISL) was launched, with just one Indian among the top-10 scorers at the halfway stage of the competition.
Official outfield player statistics reveal that Atletico de Kolkata’s midfielder Cavin Lobo, with two goals, is the only noticeable Indian entrant in the list, which boasts several big international names.
Lobo has played in three of his team’s seven games so far and occupies fifth spot in the list. His team, however, is on top of the standings with 12 points from seven games.
The list is headed by Chennaiyin FC’s marquee player Elano Blumer with eight goals from six matches, way ahead of second-placed Atletico striker Fikru Lemessa, who has managed three goals from five games.
NorthEast United forward Sergio Pardos is third with three goals from six matches, followed by Mumbai City’s Andre Moritz (three goals from seven).
Icon strikers — Frenchmen Nicolas Anelka of Mumbai City FC and Pune City FC’s David Trezeguet — have both scored twice so far, to claim sixth and seventh positions, with Trezeguet taking a game more for his effort.
Kerala Blasters forward Ian Hume, Pune City midfielder Konstantinos Katsouranis and Chennaiyin goal-getter John Valencia, all with two goals from six, round off the list.
ISL rules, formulated to facilitate home-grown players, have become their bane. The stipulation of only five Indians in each playing 11 has given teams a free hand to field six foreigners, mostly goalscorers, considerably diminishing scope for Indians to get on the scoresheet.
