INDIAN ACES: Strong local flavor will add spice to Zico's Goa servings

THE FATORDA STADIUM was a sight to behold during the inaugural ISL as football fans in Goa, whose support for the state's I-League clubs has been fledging in recent years, came out in throngs to turn the stadium into the biggest party in town. The team did well, too, winning 6 out of 14 matches in regular season and finishing 2nd in the table. They were then pitted against Atletico de Kolkata in the semi-final and after two legs of 0-0 stalemates, lost out 4-2 in penalties. 

There's little doubt that the FC Goa squad from last season could give the best in ISL a run for their money. And much of that was due to their strong Indian contingent, mostly on loan from Dempo and Salgaocar. This time, in order to improve upon the existing strength of the team, FC Goa officials decided to participate in the Domestic Player Auction and Draft for the first time. The result is a squad where the Indian players are quite capable of sharing the responsibilities of their international colleagues. 

Here, we take a look at some of the best Indian players who will ply their trade for FC Goa in the upcoming ISL season. The list is not in any particular order, and recognizes the inherent awesomeness that each of these players bring to the table.