The Indian Super League has certainly unearthed Indian talent in abundance, and brought them into the spotlight. While many player have succumbed to foreign competition, other has stamped their authority over the course of the league, and dished out note worthy performances. We take a look at the Indian Team of the Super League season.
In goal is NorthEast United’s standout performer T.P Rehenesh. The 21 year old successfully kept out Euro winner Alexsander Tzorvas, by dishing out consistent performances for the Ricki Herbert managed side. Out of 51 shots faced, Rehenesh has saved a staggering 40, and kept 5 clean sheets. His quick reflexes in crunch matches often kept NorthEast United in crunch encounters.
Debabrata Roy, has seldom displayed signs of slowing down, when bombarding ahead, full throttle. The former East Bengal man, dished out decent performances, and has often outfoxed opponents with pace. Operating as a right back, Debabrata impressed with his overlapping runs, which caused chaos in the opposing ranks. Operating in the heart of defense, are perhaps two standout Indian players, Arnab Mondal and Sandesh Jhigan. While Jhigan has been Kerala’s stalwart, Arnab Mondal has been a solid rock for Atletico de Kolkata in defense. The former impressed with various position and showcased his skills to near perfection, even deployed as a right back and a left back; while, the latter depended on his tactical know how and experience to edge opposing forwards. At left back is Narayan Das. The Dempo player has been one of the standout performers for FC Goa, and even though he suffered a purple patch, captivated audience with his exceptional footballing skills. His agile frame which runs on the engines of speed and stamina, has often thwarted opposing forwards, by nipping the ball from their feet.
FC Goa’s Indian contingent has cherished life under Zico and perhaps that is why, our Team Of The Season, features four of Zico’s disciples. The quick fire duo of Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes, Ai??fill in the left wing and right wing positions, respectively. Romeo has developed a penchant of taking defenders on and beating them at will and Mandar has relied on his quick feet. Both Romeo and Mandar, have haunted Super League defenses, with their quirky style of play. Romeo Fernandes’ three man of the match awards, are perhaps evidence of his unparalleled talent. While Mandar has no such trophy to boast off, his tireless work rate, fused with his ability to out-run defenders have helped Zico in his quest. Kerala Blasters’ Mehtab HossainAi??has been an anchorman in their midfield. The East Bengal midfielder has worked wonder and successfully helped Blasters to unlock Super League defenses. Playing as a defensive midfielder, Mehtab often relied on his passing range to dish out unparalleled through balls. His ability to provide covering to Kerala’s defense has also been a commendable trait. FC Pune City’s Lenny Rodrigues, is as dynamic as midfielders come. Lenny’s ability to bombard forward, whilst provide defensive covering has often been FC Pune City’s driving force. The former Churchill Brothers midfielder, although did not dish out goals or provide an assist, worked tirelessly to maintain the team’s structure.
Jeje Lalpekhlua, is certainly one of the brightest prospects in Indian football. The Mohun Bagan man displayed his sheer finishing skills when he joined the Maroon and Green brigade, scoring for fun in the Calcutta League. His stint with Chennaiyin FC has perhaps further asserted his pedigree as a striker. Often lurking in the shadows, Jeje signs of sheer quality when it came to finishing. His four goals and one assist in thirteen appearances, have all been noteworthy. The Manipuri forward also scored Chennaiyin FC’s equalizing goal in the semi-finals against Kerala Blasters, which Chennaiyin ultimately lost on aggregate. Partnering Jeje, is his Chennaiyin FC striker partner Balwant Singh. Balwant Singh is the first Indian to bag a goal in the Indian Super League. A regular starter for Chennaiyin FC, Balwant Singh has impressed fan and critics alike with his tireless workrate. A stalwart to Chennaiyin’s attack, Balwant has often thrived on his abilities as a forward. In fourteen appearances for Chennaiyin FC, Balwant Singh has scored one, assisted thrice and registered a mammoth ten shots on goal.
Honorable Mentions:
Delhi Dynamos’ Francis Fernandes has perhaps exorcised his demons of the past. The versatile winger who can also slot in as a striker, led Delhi’s attack in the latter stages of the Indian Super League and often proved Delhi’s standout player. His ability to shift across the attacking zone and create space for players like Dos Santos, worked wonders for the Delhi team. Another Dynamo which impressed in the Super League, was Anwar Ali. The tall imposing figure of Delhi’s defensive general, often swept danger aside. Although Mumbai City FC’s Lalrindika Ralte, does not have any laurels or trophies to show for his skillset, the Indian U-23 player as always impressed with his work rate. Fluent in attack and often tracking back his opposing player, ‘Didika’ showcased his qualities to near perfection. FC Pune City’s Mehrajuddin Wadoo, and Delhi Dynamos’ Adil Khan, were some of the Indian players played out of position. While the two did not become indomitable figures for their respective teams, they helped solidify their position in the absence of veterans. Wadoo, also slotted as a defensive midfielder for FC Pune City, and had impressed with his ability to tackle the ball.
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