Welcome to ESPN's inaugural ISL Power Rankings -- as we go in search of the best player in the Indian Super League. How do we rank them, though? Well, we're basing it on a model that factors in a set of 10 parameters -- nine objective, one subjective.
Objective parameters: Goals, assists, saves, clean sheets, interceptions, tackles, yellow and red cards and shots on target. Appropriate weightage has been factored in to ensure fairness in scoring. For example, netting a goal gets a forward/midfielder 100 points, a defender 150 and a goalkeeper 300.
Subjective parameter: Football is not just about mathematics. Some things footballers do are simply immeasurable in tangible terms. So while the numbers give a solid base from which to work on, we felt points also needed to be awarded for performance quality, impact on the game, strategic value and other such unquantifiable elements.
Now, since the ISL follows its own rather unique set of rules, Round 1 of our Power Rankings sees eight teams end on two matches each and two teams on one. Hence, the points mentioned here have been averaged out to factor in the number of games played. From Round 2 onwards, we will be following a weekly schedule -- again, basis averaging out the cumulative individual scores to make sure everyone gets a fair chance to crack the Top 10.
Round 1 = Sept. 29 to Oct. 10
#10 Mourtada Fall - 115 points
Club: FC Goa
Position: Centre back
The big Senegalese defender has already introduced a measure of calm to a backline that seemed to oscillate between nervous panic and complete breakdown with alarming regularity last season. Oh, and he looks unbeatable in the air in both boxes -- just what an already potent Goa attack need to make them even more frightening.
#9 Gourav Mukhi - 118.2 points
Club: Jamshedpur FC
Position: Centre forward
While his age may be disputed, his form and the deft outside-of-the-boot finish past a startled Gurpreet Singh Sandhu puts it beyond any doubt that the Jharkhand lad can play.
#T7 Diego Carlos - 130 points
Club: FC Pune City
Position: Forward
One of the more underrated weapons in a bristling Pune City attacking arsenal, Carlos' clever movement and clinical finishing came to the fore against an atypically obdurate Delhi defence.
#T7 Sergio Cidoncha - 130 points
Club: Jamshedpur FC
Position: Attacking midfielder
With an assist against Mumbai and superb late, late equaliser against Bengaluru, Cidoncha has underlined his importance to the Jamshedpur team. Seems to have developed a brilliant understanding with compatriot Mario Arques.
#6 Halicharan Narzary - 135 points
Club: Kerala Blasters
Position: Winger
Superb down the wings of a re-energized Kerala Blasters, Narzary's willingness to take on the man in front of him combined with an improved and (on early evidence) consistent end product has made him the man to watch for the men in yellow.
#5 Erik Paartalu - 160 points
Club: Bengaluru FC
Position: Defensive midfielder
Bengaluru are playing attrition-based percentage football at the moment, and a lot of it is based on the destructive capabilities of the big Australian in the middle. Paartalu's grit, defensive awareness and sheer strength have been integral to this new game plan.
#4 Mario Arques - 165 points
Club: Jamshedpur FC
Position: Central midfielder
The Spaniard has introduced attacking flair to a side that didn't even know the meaning of those words last season. He has controlled both the games he has played in so far -- opponents will need to find a way to stop him if they are to stop this new-look, free-scoring JFC side.
#3 Nishu Kumar - 167.5 points
Club: Bengaluru FC
Position: Left back
An adventurous left back who consistently provides the overlaps for Sunil Chhetri, Nishu Kumar has capped two solid performances with a stunning goal against Jamshedpur -- a sweet, right-footed volley from outside of the box that arrowed into the top corner. Woof!
#2 Rana Gharami - 195 points
Club: Delhi Dynamos
Position: Centre-back
Solid at the back, and scorer of what is already a contender for goal of the season (35-yards-out, goalkeeper-rooted-to-spot, top-corner THWACK!), the centre-back impressed on debut and seems to embody Delhi's brave new approach to life in the ISL.
#1 Ferran Corominas - 207.5 points
Club: FC Goa
Position: Forward
You want goals? You call Coro. The Spanish striker has started where he left off last season and already has three goals in the two matches. Looks decidedly menacing, and will take some stopping this season.