After missing out on the semi-finals spot last time around, Delhi Dynamos have strengthened heavily this time around with a new coach, new marquee player and a new look team to find a place at the top of the charts.
After announcing the massive signing of Roberto Carlos as their marquee player-cum manager, Delhi managed to acquire big names like Indian ace striker Robin Singh alongside the foreign duo of Florent Malouda and John Arne Riise.
Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero was their marquee player last season - but the former Juventus striker found it hard to get going on his ageing legs, and hence Delhi set their sights on Carlos.
Delhi finished fifth last time around and that was due to their inconsistent performances throughout the season.
The team from the Indian capital started with two draws and then thumped Chennaiyin FC. But after that win their performance went downhill and there was even a time when they were bottom of the league for a few days. However, they did make a strong comeback towards the end of the season as they registered four wins in their final six outings but that was not enough to help them finish in top four.
The Dynamos had a memorable jersey launch this season in front of the historic Taj Mahal in Agra. The team, including big players Malouda, Riise, Adil Nabi, Robin and Ravi Kumar, along with Brazil legend Carlos, unveiled the white jersey.
And they will hope the Taj brings their way that slice of luck which was missing for Delhi in the inaugural season.
Strengths
With the signings of two experienced men in Malouda and Riise, Delhi have arguably one of the strongest attacks in the tournament along with stability and balance. The sight of Riise and Malouda down the left side will indeed be one to behold; and if the duo can find the understanding between them, then the opposition defence will be under big pressure to contain the former EPL duo. The Delhi management has also done well to retain the likes of Hans Mulder, Gustavo Dos Santos, Anwar Ali and Shylo Malswamtlunga. These players were the core of the team last time around and their influence will be a big boost for the dressing room.
Another big strength for the team will be their marquee player-cum-manager Carlos. The Brazilian is a highly respectable figure in the world of football and will demand a lot from his players; and the players will surely improve under his guidance. Although Carlos isn't very experienced when it comes the manager's role, he did well to recruit new players and now it's down to him to make them click and help Delhi to go all the way this time around.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness that came out during the last season was Delhi's inconsistency. The team could not put together a string of wins and when they did it was too late. With other teams too strengthening their squads, Delhi players need to set the ball rolling right from the start. Hans Mulder and Brazilian Gustavo were the only two players who impressed last season. Also a worry is Delhi's defence, which didn't show much improvement in the pre-season games.
Marquee player-cum-manager: When it comes to big former football stars playing in India, it can't get better than Roberto 'The Galactico' Carlos. The former Real Madrid star was snapped up by Delhi Dynamos as their manager-cum-marquee-player for the second season of the league. One of the best left-back of his time and a dead-ball specialist, Carlos will look to showcase his outstanding skills in the ISL as well. Having Carlos in the dugout will give the young Indian players an opportunity to pick his brains and surely Delhi Dynamos will be a team to watch out for this time around just for that reason alone. Carlos replaces Alexandro Del Piero as the marquee signing for the team from the capital city.
Players to watch:
Robin Singh: He is touted as the next big thing of Indian football and hopefully the game's flag-bearer for the country in the coming years. Born and raised in Delhi, Robin will surely be delighted after being picked by Delhi Dynamos for the second season of the ISL. The on-loan Bengaluru FC forward is an opportunistic striker. It was unfortunate for him to not feature in the first edition of ISL as his I-League club refused to release him, but this time around he will surely be excited to play alongside some big names and make his mark in the tournament.
John Arne Riise: Delhi Dynamos won the race to sign the former Liverpool left-back who was also linked to Kerala Blasters. Having won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and the Carling Cup with Liverpool, Riise will be a big asset for Carlos' team. He brings with him a bundle of experience, which Delhi dearly wanted this season. Despite being a left-back, Risse has scored some brilliant goals in the past and is a handful on free-kicks as well.
Florent Malouda: The former Chelsea winger is one of the only two players in the ISL with an English Premier League winners' medal. The left-footed French footballer is known for his tricky dribbles and creativity. The winger has not only been the key player for his teams in the past but also pitched in with crucial goals throughout his illustrious career with Lyon and Chelsea. He was also part of the French national team to finish runners-up in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Subhasish Roy Chowdury, Toni Doblas, Ravi Kumar
Defenders: Roberto Carlos (Coach), John Arne Riise, Cichao, Anwar Ali, Anas, Prabir Das, Naoba Singh, Robert Lathlamanua,
Midfielders: Serginho Greene, Hans Mulder, Francis Fernandes, G Vignesh, Zodingliana Ralte, Souvik Chakraborty, Snehaj Singh, Gustavo, Florent Malouda
Forwards: Vincius Ferreria, Robin Singh, Adil Nabi, Seminlen Doungel, Richard Gadze
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