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With the Airtel I-League having a seven-week break, Sportskeeda continues the review by selecting the team of the season so far. As per I-League rules, four foreigners have been included in the eleven.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Goalkeeper: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar)
Had they not been penalised for fielding unregistered players against Bengaluru FC and Pune FC, Salgaocar would have had the joint-best defensive record now and Karanjit is the main reason behind it. The India international has played every minute of Salgaocar’s campaign and been consistent throughout despite often not getting the right protection from his backline. Sporting Clube’s Ravi Kumar might have kept more clean sheets but has made some costly errors while Karanjit has been largely flawless.
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Defenders
Right Back: Collin Abranches (Mohammedan Sporting)
A move to Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting was a massive step up for the 22-year-old but instead of buckling under pressure he raised his game and has turned out to be the most consistent right back of the league so far. Collin has been the only ever-present player for Mohammedan this season and looked comfortable both while defending and going forward. An India call-up won’t be far away if he has an equally good second half of the season.
Centre Back: John Johnson (Bengaluru FC)
The former Middlesbrough defender is one of the best signings of this season as he has been instrumental in Bengaluru leading the table. Johnson has been a colossal figure at the heart of the Bengaluru defence and also contributed with three vital goals. The 25-year-old edges out Pune’s Calum Angus in this selection for being slightly more influential for his team Bengaluru, whose defence looked ordinary in Johnson’s absence against East Bengal and the final few minutes of the Salgaocar clash last weekend.
Centre Back: Anas Edathodika (Pune FC)
Anas has been built on last season’s consistency by being the best Indian central defender this term. Pune’s club captain has been ever-present for the Red Lizards, playing a key role in their impressive defensive record. The 26-year-old still has plenty of room for improvement but looks physically stronger now and been the ideal partner for Englisman Angus. The Kerala-born player has been very unfortunate not to win an India cap by now but his consistency can’t go unnoticed for long.
Left Back: Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC)
Playing at international level has seen Gurjinder become a matured player now as his positioning and anticipation has improved immensely this season. The 23-year-old has also been more adventurous going forward, scoring once and creating a few goals. There are plenty of talented young left backs around with Bengaluru’s Keegan Pereira and Gurjinder’s national teammate Narayan Das of Dempo being very impressive but the Pune defender gets the nod in this team for being slightly more consistent.
Midfielders
Right Midfielder: Beikhokhei Beingaichho (Bengaluru FC)
The former East Bengal and United Sikim midfielder has revived his career at Bengaluru with a string of quality performances for the I-League debutants. Bengaluru have a number of creative players but Beikhokhei has been the most efficient as he creates plenty of chances through his crosses from flanks and set-piece deliveries. He has undoubtedly been the best right midfielder this season and is also admired by the growing fanbase of Bengaluru for his work-rate.
Central Midfielder: John Menyongar (Bengaluru FC)
The experience and class of this former Liberian international has been a calming influence on Bengaluru’s young midfield. Menyongar doesn’t always grab the headlines but playing in the role of a deep-lying playmaker he has become indispensable to his new club as most attacks are built through him. The 34-year-old’s passing is a joy to watch and he has also contributed with two vital goals. Menyongar would have to remain at his best if Bengaluru want to win the title.
Central Midfielder: Douhou Pierre (Pune FC)
Douhou Pierre (No.11)
Despite mounting a title challenge, Pune have struggled offensively this season but it’s not that they haven’t had chances as Douhou has created plenty of opportunities throughout the season. The Ivorian is Pune’s primary creative force as his drive from midfield and passing has been exceptional. He has often produced the killer ball but due to the absence of a genuine quality goal scorer following Raul Fabiani’s release, the Red Lizards haven’t been prolific in front of goal. Douhou though has kept delivering the goods.
Left Midfielder: Nikhil Kadam (Pune FC)
Nikhil Kadam (in red)
The Pune FC academy graduate has played a key role in Pune’s title bid and been one of the best wide midfielders of this campaign. Kadam’s pace, trickery and willingness to take on opposition defenders has been refreshing considering the dearth of young creative players in the country. The 20-year old would still want to score more goals as he has only netted once but is one of the first names in Mike Snoei’s team sheet and was badly missed in the defeats to Rangdajied United and Mohun Bagan.
Attacking Midfielder: Ogba Kalu Nnanna (Sporting Clube)
The attractive style of play and energy of Oscar Bruzon’s young squad has won them many admirers but the Goan club wouldn’t be sitting in second place without the power and experience of Ogba Kalu. The Nigerian gives the Flaming Oranje the cutting edge in the final third with his finishing being better than many high-profile strikers in the league. Team effort has been essential in Sporting Clube’s surprise title challenge but Kalu’s quality has been decisive and he is the only player to score a hattrick this season.
Centre Forward: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
In terms of goals, the India captain had a slow start at Bengaluru as he was playing on the left flank but the 29-year-old was still contributing to his team’s cause. Sunil was never getting concerned with his lack of goals and then after the international break in November he netted a hattrick of braces. No Indian has ever finished top scorer in the I-League but that could change this time as Sunil is currently the joint highest scorer with nine along with Mohammedan Sporting’s Josimar, who is a little unfortunate to miss out from this team.
