Top five No. 10s in Indian Super League history

One of the players also won the Golden Boot.

The Indian Super League has seen several domestic and foreign players rule the No. 10 position for years. They have not only performed well in the role for a single club but have continued to dominate for every club they represented in ISL history.

The 2022-23 Indian Super League is round the corner. With fans and players excited for the commencement of the 9th season, we take a look at the top five players who played in the No. 10 position in the history of the Indian Super League.

5. Greg Stewart

Scottish attacking midfielder Greg Stewart joined Jamshedpur FC ahead of ISL 2021-22. The 32-year-old proved to be a key player in the attacking unit. He scored 10 goals and assisted as many times in 21 appearances during his only season with the club.

Stewart’s performances were vital as they helped the Red Miners lift their maiden ISL Shield. However, the club couldn’t get their hands on the ISL trophy as they lost their semi-final match against Kerala Blasters. 

The Stirling-born player has joined Mumbai City for the upcoming season. He will look to repeat his performance with the Islanders. 

4. Javi Hernandez

Spanish attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez started his ISL career with ATK in 2019. He scored a couple of goals and assisted five times in 20 matches and went on to continue for another season with ATK Mohun Bagan.  

The Spaniard represented Odisha FC during the previous ISL season. He scored and assisted six times each during his time with the club and was also spot on with the long balls and crosses into the danger area. This quality helps the player stand out from the crowd and catch the eyes of the fans. As a result of Hernandez's exploits, Bengaluru FC were urged to rope in his services for the upcoming season.

3. Hugo Boumous

French-Moroccan player Hugo Boumous has played for three ISL clubs since making his debut in the Indian top-tier league in 2018. He first represented FC Goa in the Indian Super League between 2018-2020, where he scored 20 goals and assisted 17 times in 47 appearances.

The attacking midfielder then moved to Mumbai City for a season. He scored thrice and assisted nine times in 16 matches for the Islanders. The 27-year-old joined ATK Mohun Bagan last year and enjoyed a splendid season, with five goals to his name. Moreover, he also assisted eight times and will continue to ply his trade for the Kolkata-based club.

Notable, Hugo Boumous won the ISL shield on successive occasions, first with FC Goa in 2019/20 and then at Mumbai City in the 2020/21 season. The 2020/21 ISL also witnessed Boumous lifting the ISL trophy with the Islanders. 

2. Brandon Fernandes

Indian attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes played a couple of games for Mumbai City between 2015-2017 before making a move to the Gaurs. The 27-year-old has played 69 matches for FC Goa in the Indian Super League. He has five goals and 19 assists to his name and will continue to ply his trade for the Goa-based club in the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League.

Brandon Fernandes, a skilful dictator in the middle of the park, is also known for his passes and crosses into the penalty area. His teammates bank on him for the same. Undoubtedly, he will be a reliable candidate for Carlos Pena's side in the upcoming ISL. 

1. Elano Blumer

Brazilian attacking midfielder Elano Blumer represented Chennaiyin FC during the first couple of ISL seasons. He scored eight goals from 11 matches during the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League and won the Golden Boot award. The No. 10 followed it up with four goals and as many assists during the ISL 2014/15 season. His free kicks were a delight to watch.

Elano played a key role for Chennaiyin FC during his stint with the club and guided them to the playoffs in both seasons. Overall, the Brazilian player made 26 appearances for the two-time ISL champions. He also led the Marina Machans to their maiden ISL title in 2015.