After all the teams have gone past the half-way stage, we look at the domestic XI of the Hero ISL.
Defence:
T.P.Rehenesh (G.K) – He has been terrific so far for the highlanders in the inaugural season of ISL. Rehenesh came in for Greek keeper Tzorvas and has impressed everyone with his keeping. The youngster was deservedly awarded ‘golden gloves’ for his consistent showing between the sticks and his notable performance came against Delhi Dynamos.
Gouramangi Singh (RB) – The biggest reason for Chennaiyin FC’s success is their solid defensive backline and Gouramangi is a prime figure for the side. His usage by Materazzi as a right-back and centre-back has paid off well for team, with only a defensive lapse coming against Van Veldhoven’s Delhi Dynamos. The Indian international has showed experience and composure by starting every game for Abhishek Bachchan’s team.
Arnab Mondal (RCB) – From the onset of ISL, Mondal has emerged out as a standout player for Atletico de Kolkata. The centre-back believes in no nonsense defending and his defensive partnership with Josemi has been outstanding. This is one of the few reasons why Atletico’s keeper faces no real threat in every game.
Sandesh Jhingan (LCB) – Sandesh Jhingan has well been an omnipresent figure in the Kerala Blaster’s line-up. The JCT youth product has shown complete versatility by playing in various positions for David James’s men. His agility and work-rate in every game is quite remarkable, making him the best player for the Kerala based side.
Narayan Das (LB) – It hasn’t been a great start for FC Goa and they totter in the 7th position. Amongst all the players, Narayan Das has been promising for FC Goa. The left-back’s long balls and overlapping runs have simply been a delight to watch for the fans.
Midfield:
Baljit Sahni (RWM) – Sahni has started every match for Atletico de Kolkata in the right wing. With Kolkata’s Franco injured and Debnath unimpressive in his starts, Sahni at present has been deployed as an emergency right-back by Antonio Habas. The former JCT forward has enjoyed life at Salt Lake, with a single goal till now against Kerala Blasters.
Harmanjot Khabra (LCM) – Khabra had hit the pitch hard after a few off-starts for Chennayin FC. The East Bengal captain marshals the midfield and has now become a primary figure in Materazzi’s side. Chennaiyin’s midfield backbone relies with Khabra because of his defensive skills and strong tackles.
Steven Dias (RCM) – His long balls in the penalty box for the strikers can be described as ‘dead accurate’. Dubbed as ‘Indian David Beckham’, Dias has shown class with his long as well as through balls. The winger has been benched most of the times but whenever given a chance, Dias didn’t keep any stones unturned.
Mandar Rao Desai (LWM) – Mandar Rao has shown glimpses of trickery, pace, dribbling for his game-play with FC Goa. The variety and speed offered by Desai has made his selection ahead of veteran Clifford Miranda. He has combined superbly with Narayan Das on the left-flank, posing a threat always to the opposition.
Attack:
C.S.Sabeeth (ST) – Sabeeth has spearheaded the attack efficiently with Iain Hume for Kerala Blasters. The forward on a regular basis has been stationed on the right-wing for his curl-in runs. The Kerala outfit player is a swift customer with a tendency to run towards the defenders draw fouls.
Balwant Singh (ST) – Balwant became the first Indian to score a goal in the ISL history.From the commencement of ISL, he has been totally involved with Chennaiyin FC’s plans. The Indian player of the year is a livewire and tantalizes the opposition defense with ease.
