FOREIGN ASSETS: Heavy-at-the-back Blasters rely on utility signings rather than big names

AFTER THE DEBACLE during ISL 2015, Kerala Blasters are playing it safe this year. And by safe, we mean not throwing too much money on new players and sticking to players who have done well in ISL in the past, for KBFC or some other franchise.

This much more sober approach - which has sort of become a trend in ISL this year - makes sure that the team is not over-reliant on any one player. This also balances the budget to some extent, which seems to be a major concern for the Blasters at this point. On the negative side, the team seems to lack the kind of explosive fire-power that some other teams feature. There's also a lack of star names that resonate with the European football-loving crowd; but KBFC already have a huge loyal fanbase so that is something they can afford to do without.

So here's a look at some of their major players this season, and the way they figure into the team's game-plan for ISL 2016.