ISL 2018 | Best Indian Super League XI after Phase 3

Goalkeeper

John Johnson- Bengaluru FC have easily been the best side this season defensively in terms of conceding goals (8), and the team following them closely is ATK (11). Steve Coppell was always going to excel in this scenario and there has been no doubt that John Johnson is his main general. He has started all the games for the two-time champions with his defensive partner changing from Gerson Viera to Andre Bikey, but his role hasn’t changed. Johnson does pretty much everything for ATK that is possible from a centre half. He can provide long balls, can be a real threat from set-pieces and has shown exemplary reading of the game. The high scoring ISL sides have faded away into a goalless draw against ATK and Johnson should be mostly credited for it.

Rahul Bheke- Bengaluru FC’s deploying of full backs as playmakers from the midfield is certainly an innovative move as far as Indian football is concerned, but to execute it perfectly regardless of opponents’ variegated setup is a commendable job. No other team has been seen using their full backs to this extent on the offensive and Carles Cuadrat would be immensely happy with how Bheke has performed. To add to his attacking approach, the full back is also blessed with a surprising calm when inside the box that has enabled him to score at crucial junctures. His exclusion from Stephen Constantine’s 28-man preliminary Asian Cup squad has consequently seen a major outcry by fans. 

Subhashish Bose- At an age where most full backs are basically wing backs adding an extra edge to the side’s attacking arsenal, Jorge Costa has taken the old way with a classic full back at his disposal. In Bose, Mumbai has a player whose primary concern is always is to not concede a goal before he decides to run up and cross from the left. Bose is naturally a centre half and the only reason he could adapt to the wider role is because of his tremendous discipline. He lets the likes of Arnold Issoko and Rafael Bastos do the fancy work and focuses solely on keeping the backline intact and alert. Every team desires such a player who is so committed to his cause. 

Raphael Augusto- No matter how terribly Chennaiyin FC have been performing this season, the only reason they still have fans coming to watch games is Raphael Augusto. The Brazilian has the fastest feet in the league and some insane close ball control that enables him to go through every defender on is way with stunning ease. Only if he had players who could finish the tap-ins he feeds into the centre of the box, Augusto could easily have been the most sought after player in ISL. From the deep midfield to the attacking third, he can play almost anywhere creating chances at will.

Dimas Delgado- Bengaluru FC’s performance so far, has been a perfect example of team play. However, Cuadrat’s most important link in between offence and defence has been the Spanish midfielder. In the likes of Erik Paartalu and Harmanjot Khabra, BFC’s physical limitations are pretty much covered and it is Delgado who provides the creative perspective. Relentless in the midfield, Delgado’s through balls have been the biggest boon for the flank play that BFC exploits like anything. Without him, the team lacks incision that was evident in their clash against Delhi Dynamos, where Udanta Singh came to their rescue at the 88th minute with a 1-0 win.  

Carlos Calvo- Now, while many would point his diving antics to put him at fault, it is difficult to find a player who takes so much of burden to keep his team in front. The nimble footed Spaniard is Jamshedpur FC’s main source of attack and Cesar Ferrando has rightly given him a free role in the attacking third as others adjust to his position. It is because the Atletico Madrid and Udinese player could see passes others don’t and never flinches in going down in the slightest of chances to get his team closer to the opponent’s box. He, too, has two goals and five assists so far.

Attack

Ferran Corominas- While Sougou’s rise to prominence was highly surprising, Corominas’ was equally foreseeable. The Spaniard looked to be in a close tussle with NorthEast United’s Bartholomew Ogbeche for the race of the golden boot with both FC Goa and NEUFC going through a rough patch in the recently concluded third phase, where goals came in with tremendous difficulty. However, it was the third last match before the international break where Goa showed their sublime scoring form with Coro leading the attack with his clinical form. Playing against an in-form NorthEast side, Coro could take three shots with two on target, with both ending in the back of the net. He took his tally to 10 goals with Sougou and Ogbeche hot on his heels with nine goals.