Slumdog Millionaires – Indian Premier League XI

The Indian Super League (ISL) kicked off last night after a glittering opening ceremony, with Nicolas Anelka’s Mumbai City slumping to a 3:0 defeat to Luis Garcia’s Atlético De Kolkata.

The eight-team ten-week tournament is attracting plenty of hype – mainly due to the myriad of football superstars involved. Most of these were at their prime a decade ago, but we still think this Indian Super League XI would be pretty decent.

David James:

The former England keeper retired from playing last year after a season in Iceland, but the lure of the Indian Super League has drawn him back to the game. He’s been named player-coach of Kerala Blasters, who also have former Premier League striker Michael Chopra on their roster.

Josemi:

The former Liverpool right-back has had a much-travelled career since leaving Anfield after just 21 appearances. He’s played for a number of unfashionable clubs in Spain and Greece before winding up in West Bengal at Atlético de Kolkata.

Marco Materazzi:

After winning the Champions League and five Serie A titles at Inter Milan, the former World Cup winner has taken over as Player Manager at Chennaiyin, which is owned by cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan

Mikaël Silvestre:

Materazzi’s got another former Inter man to join him in India – with Silvestre opting for Chennaiyin after being released by MLS side Portland Timbers.

Joan Capdevila:

It’s not that long ago that the Spanish left-back was winning World Cups and European Championships. However, the 36-year-old is now the marquee player for North East United, who also feature fellow Spaniard Koke and Englishman James Keene up front.

Robert Pires:

Even aged 40, the Frenchman is the stand-out player in Goa’s mainly indigenous squad. Brazilian legend Zico coaches a roster than also included Arsenal flop Andre Santos.

Elano:

The former Manchester City midfielder is the marquee player for Materazzi’s Chennaiyin. The dead-ball specialist has been back in Brazil, via Galatasary, since he left City, but at just 33 will still have plenty to offer the inaugural league.

Freddie Ljungberg:

Ljungberg was absent for Mumbai City’s opening defeat last night and boss Peter Reid will be hoping the Swede’s return from injury is swift. The former Arsenal winger had retired from the game two years ago after a stint in Japan, but announced his comeback to help launch the ISL.

Alessandro del Piero:

The Italian legend heads a three-pronged attack, meaning no place for former Liverpool player Luis Garcia. Del Piero enjoyed his time with Sydney FC and ISL bosses will be hoping he can similarly raise the profile of their new league during his time with Delhi Dynamos.

David Trezueguet:

Trezeguet is the main man for Pune City, and has already had a much-travelled career with spells in the UAE, Spain and Argentina. He will be managed by Italian Franco Colomba, former boss of Napoli, Parma and several other Serie A sides.

Nicolas Anelka:

Mumbai City are Anelka’s 13th club and he’ll be hoping his time there is luckier than at previous club West Brom. His misfiring spell at the Hawthorns was overshadowed by the controversy over his quenelle gesture and Mumbai was one of the only options available to the controversial striker.