I-League 2023-24: Five foreign players to watch out for

Gokulam Kerala player Nili Perdomo had played for FC Barcelona

The latest edition of the I-League, the second division of Indian football, started on October 28th. A total of 13 teams are participating in this campaign, where the team that emerges as the winner of the league will be granted the opportunity to compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) in the upcoming season.

Varanasi-based club, Inter Kashi, has recently joined the league along with Namdhari FC. Delhi FC and Shillong Lajong FC are two clubs that have been promoted from the I-League Second Division, replacing Mumbai Kenkre and Sudeva Delhi in the league.

Over the years, along with Indian players a number foreign players have also left their mark while representing different clubs in the I-League. 

In this article we will take a look at five foreign players who might create a huge impact in the games during the League. 

Peter Hartley (Inter Kashi)

Peter Hartley is a widely recognized figure among football enthusiasts in India. Over the past few years, he has exhibited exceptional performance on Indian soil. Hartley has recently been contracted by Inter Kashi FC, a team making their debut in this year’s edition of the I-League.

Hartley has already demonstrated his skills during his impressive tenure at Jamshedpur FC. Notably, he played a crucial role in helping the club secure the ISL League title in the 2021-22 season. Given his wealth of experience, there is no doubt that Hartley’s presence will greatly contribute to the success of the debutant side in putting a significant impact on the league.

Nili Perdomo (Gokulam Kerala)

Nili Perdomo, better known as Nili, is a Spanish footballer who usually plays as a attacking midfielder. He was signed by Gokulam Kerala FC in 2023. 

Nili brings a wealth of experience to the table. The footballer has previously played for renowned clubs such as Barcelona and Albacete Balompie. Furthermore, he has also showcased his skills on Indian soil when he joined Bengaluru FC in 2020. His presence will help the ever formidable Kerala side to look for a top finish in the league. 

David Castaneda (Sreenidi Deccan)

David Castaneda has proven to be an outstanding player for the Sreenidi Decaan over the past few years. He was recruited by the team in 2021. The Colombian center forward even delivered an impressive performance against Neroca in their inaugural match of the I-League 2023-24 season, netting two goals.

The collaborative efforts of David with Rosenberg Gabriel and Rilwan Hassan at the forward line are expected to have a significant influence on Sreenidi Deccan’s prospects of finishing the season in a favorable position.

Eddie Hernandez (Mohammedan Sporting Club)

Eddie Hernandez, the Honduran forward, was enlisted by Mohammedan Sporting Club in September 2023 for a duration of one season. Prior to this, Eddie had a notable period with FC Ertis Palvodar in 2018.

Although he has not yet made an appearance for the team, his presence on the field will undoubtedly strengthen Mohammedan’s forward line and make it more menacing.

Edu Bedia (Gokulam Kerala FC)

Edu Bedia is a familiar name among Indian football fans. He recently joined Gokulam Kerala FC on a one-year contract. Bedia’s football journey in India began in 2017 when he signed with FC Goa. Since then, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the circuit, delivering remarkable performances for his previous club. 

With his vast experience of playing in India, in addition to his successful stints with various international clubs, he is expected to assume a crucial role within the team. 

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