ISL 2020-21: Who are the four newcomers in Power Rankings Phase 3?

Liston Colaco delivered some excellent performances in his last few games for Hyderabad FC.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season is edging closer to the business end and teams are gearing up for one last push. Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan have been a class apart from the other teams in the league, while Juan Ferrando's FC Goa have regained a lot of form with Hyderabad FC also looking strong for a spot in the playoffs.

One may write off others at their own risk, it will be tough for teams like SC East Bengal, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC and even Jamshedpur FC to get back in the running. So, as the league progresses, in order to determine the most consistent players in India's top flight, Khel Now has introduced the Power Rankings. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most consistent players in the ISL this season.

**Phase 3 of the ISL 2020-21 season ended after the game between ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC on January 21, 2021.

7. Jordan Murray (19 Points)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8zRUFlFA5Y

The Australian forward has been the shining light for the Blasters this season. Murray started the campaign as second fiddle to star striker Gary Hooper. But, as time passed by, he began imposing himself and his valuable contributions forced Kibu Vicuna to start him ahead of Hooper.

The former Central Coast Mariners forward has already notched up six goals along with an assist till now. Murray has been one of the best players for the Blasters, especially in this phase and has also found the net consistently, which was a huge problem for the Yellow Army. His best performance came against Jamshedpur FC, when he scored a brace in a crucial win when the Blasters were a man down.

7. Diego Mauricio (19 Points)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLaKuQ2mNF8

Odisha FC have had a very underwhelming season, but one of the rare positives has to be Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio. The versatile attacker has been the main man upfront for Stuart Baxter and has already netted six goals. While the Kalinga Warriors have struggled in almost all departments, Mauricio has been one of the rare sources of inspiration.

The Brazilian has scored some wonderful goals and whenever he is on song, he can be a threat to any defence in the league. His best performance came against Kerala Blasters when he scored a brace in a 4-2 win.

7. Ahmed Jahouh (19 Points)

The midfield lynchpin for Mumbai City FC, Ahmed Jahouh has been the nucleus of Sergio Lobera's system. He has picked up from where he left last season and that has resulted in the Islanders playing some flawless football, as the current leaders. The Moroccan midfielder is known for his exceptional passing range and vision, along with the supreme skill of controlling the tempo of the game.

The 32-year-old tops the tackles charts with 85, which is 10 more than the player in second position. Apart from tackles, he has also completed a staggering 654 passes, which again is a testament to his importance in Lobera's system.

ALSO READ: ISL 2020-21: Who is lone Indian to feature in Power Rankings Phase 2?

7. Nerijus Valskis (19 Points)

Arguably the best all-round forward in this campaign, who can simply do it all for the Men of Steel. The Lithuanian who bagged the Golden Boot last season, has continued his rich vein of form in front of goal. Apart from scoring eight goals and being the focal point in attack for the Men of Steel, Valskis has shown tremendous tenacity to play each and every minute of football in 12 matches.

He is always making runs, trying something, holding up the play, which proves his hunger to always contribute for the team. However, despite him scoring, Owen Coyle's team have not had a great run in their last three matches. Not to forget, Valskis scored a stunning free-kick against the Blasters – a contender for Goal of the Season.

6. Liston Colaco (20 Points)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1nFqBso9o

It has been a breakthrough season for Liston Colaco at Hyderabad FC. The 22-year-old has shown his abilities as a forward with his blistering pace and mazy runs down the flanks. Manolo Marquez has used his abilities to his benefit and has unleashed him mostly as an impact substitute to rattle opposition defenders.

With two goals and three assists this season, the youngster has already made a name for himself, but needs to continue his development to be a regular for the Nizams. His best performance this season came against NorthEast United where he scored a brace in Hyderabad FC's 4-2 win.

5. Aridane Santana (21 Points)

The lanky Spaniard has been a leader of men for a relatively young Hyderabad FC. Santana has been the focal point in attack for the Nizams, with his ability to use his physical demeanour in the final third to hold up play and create space for others in and around him. Although he has still scored six goals this season, he provides a lot apart from his goalscoring output.

With 25 tackles, six interceptions, nine clearances and 10 blocks, the Spaniard is doing far more than just scoring goals. Santana has been the glue that keeps the team together. His brace against SC East Bengal in their 3-2 win was his best performance this season.

4. Lallianzuala Chhangte (22 Points)

Despite all the criticism of him not taking his chances in front of goal, Lallianzuala Chhangte has still been one of the better players for the Marina Machans this season. The 23-year-old has been an undisputed starter for Chennaiyin FC and has been pretty solid on the whole.

Chhangte has only scored once this season against SC East Bengal and has also registered a olitary assist. However, he has created a lot of chances and it proves how wasteful the Marina Machans have been as a whole unit. He has completed 438 passes and 37 crosses and has taken 24 shots till now.

3. Hugo Boumous (23 Points)

Another player who has made the move from FC Goa to Mumbai City this season to play under Sergio Lobera. The Islanders were forced to pay a hefty transfer fee to land him, but Boumous has repaid that faith with his performances. While he has not been as good as last season, in terms of chance creation, he still holds the key for the league leaders.

The former FC Goa midfielder has already notched up five assists along with a solitary goal this season. Boumous has always been a big match player and his assist foor Bartholomew Ogbeche's winner against ATK Mohun Bagan was crucial in turning the tide in the Islanders' favour.

2. Roy Krishna (24 Points)

The Fijian forward has been nothing short of a talismanic figure for the Mariners this season. ATK Mohun Bagan did not have the best of starts in terms of intensity, but Krishna converted half chances and made sure they did not lag behind. The former Wellington Phoenix man has bailed out Antonio Lopez Habas' men on several occasions.

Apart from scoring six goals, Krishna has been tirelessly chasing down opposition defenders and pressing them in order to force mistakes. He has not got much supply from his midfielders, as they are gradually coming back into form, so it has mostly been about his tendency to work hard and convert those chances when they have arrived.

1. Igor Angulo (28 Points)

The Spaniard's inclusion into this new look FC Goa side has been a huge success. Angulo looks like a proper target man, who can hold the ball up to bring the players around him into play. He is also a player who can make a yard out of an inch and that is how clinical he has been this season. With nine goals, the 36-year-old Spaniard has proven that he is here to stay.

However, despite leading the goalscoring charts and being one of the main players for the Gaurs, Angulo has not featured in the last two matches. According to head coach Juan Ferrando, he has some illness and will be back soon. In his absence, Jorge Ortiz has taken the league by storm, as he has added fluidity in attack, which was not possible with Angulo leading the line. It will be interesting to see how Ferrando settles things with Angulo's return.