The seventh edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL 2020-21) is set to begin in less than two weeks. ISL is the biggest arena in Indian football, where the best and brightest of Indian football collide over the course of five exciting months to earn the right to be called the title of India's champions.
After six years of history behind it, the league has attracted big names in football from around the world. From former English Premier League winners to Champions League winners, many have claimed the Indian subcontinent.
With that said, let's take a look at the top 5 stars in the Premier League who will do their trade in the next edition of ISL.
1 - Anthony Pilkington (SC East Bengal)
Right now, expectations are high for Anthony Pilkington, who will play SC East Bengal this season. The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international footballer was part of the impressive Norwich City squad that played in the Premier League from 2011 to 2014 before relegating to the tournament.
Pilkington's record was particularly good, as he was a staple of the team that survived relegation in the first two seasons. He made 75 appearances for the Canary Islands and scored 14 goals before moving to Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic.
2. Gary Hooper (Kerala Blasters FC)
At one point in his career, Gary Hopper was among the England team names led by Roy Hodgson. Hopper's quality was so high that he was also a target for several Premier League clubs during his time at Celtic, as he managed to win successive titles.
Hopper moved from Celtic to Norwich City before the 2013-14 season and was a regular in the club's starting line-up for most of the season. However, he only scored quite a few goals when he relegated the Canary Islands to the Championship. Hopper will help Norwich return to the league before moving back to the championship with Sheffield Wednesday.
3 - Stephen Taylor (Odisha)
Stephen Taylor, 34, was one of the first foreign players to sign a club in the International League this season. The former Newcastle United center-back played more than a decade in the Premier League and played more than 200 games before moving to Portland Timbers in the United States.
Taylor has signed with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League and signed with Odisha FC at a time when the club desperately needs a center back with a good driving experience. On paper, Taylor sure fits the bill, but it remains to be seen if he can be any good for Stuart Baxter's side.
4. Adam Low Funder (Mumbai City FC)
The 33-year-old joined Reading before the 2011-12 season and was a huge hit with the club. His 12 goals in 32 matches helped the club secure its rise to the Premier League for the 2012-13 season.
Although the royals relegated at the end of the season, Le Founder had a good outing, scoring 12 league goals and taking home the Premier League's Player of the Year award in January.
Given that Mumbai City coach Sergio Lopera prefers an offensive style of play, the 33-year-old will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the upcoming ISL season.
5. Daniel Fox (SC East Bengal)
For a six-foot defender, Daniel Fox is as solid as he looks. The 34-year-old has played twice in the Premier League with two different teams. Fox's first taste in the Premier League came in the 2009-2010 season with Burnley. However, after only 14 games for the club, Burnley was relegated.
Fox then managed to help his new club, Southampton, secure the promotion ahead of the 2012-2013 campaign. He kept his place in the starting line-up alongside players such as Jose Fonte, Ricky Lambert, and Morgan Schneiderlin.