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The second editon of the Indian Super League has seen a lot of goals being scored, with teams providing some great, attacking play for the fans to enjoy. Strikers are always in the limelight for the goals they score, and though that is important, it is also necessary to recognise good defensive performances. It is said that strikers win you matches, defenders win you championships. Defensive performances are not always appreciated by fans, but they do acknowledge consistent performers in defence, who lay down a strong foundation for their teams. Here, we take a look at the top 5 defenders so far in the tournament:
#1 John Arne Riise
John Arne Riise was signed by Delhi Dynamos on a two-year contract at the start of the second edition of the Indian Super League, and there is little doubt he has been one of the best signings this summer. Riise has featured in all 11 games for the Delhi side and has been an integral part of their defence, as they have conceded just 13 goals, tied for the joint-best defence in the tournament.
The 35-year-old has been rock solid at the back for Roberto Carlos’ team, and has displayed great leadership qualities. Riise has made an impressive 25 tackles, effected 13 interceptions and won 33 aerial duels. He has mentored the defence very well and has formed a solid partnership with Anas Edathodika.
Riise, who is the most-capped player for the Norwegian international football team, started his career at Aalesunds FK. He then signed for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, where he won the league title.
He then moved to English giants Liverpool, where he spent the best moments of his career, making more than 300 appearances for them, becoming a fan favourite, and winning the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield and the UEFA Super Cup twice.
#2 Anas Edathodika
Anas Edathodika has been a defensive pillar for Delhi Dynamos this season alongside John Arne Riise. The 28-year-old was signed by Delhi Dynamos for 41 lakhs during the Indian Super League auction, and has proved to be a bargain so far.
Anas, who is yet to make his debut for the Indian national team, has featured in 10 games for Delhi Dynamos so far making 33 tackles, 12 interceptions and winning 11 aerial duels. Not only that, his team have shipped in just 13 goals so far in the tournament.
Anas, who had to drive a rickshaw to sponsor his football career during his childhood days, started his career at I-league second division side Mumbai FC. After spending four seasons at Mumbai FC, he signed for Pune FC in 2011 and made 76 appearances for them, and also won the Pune Football Club’s Player-of the-Year Award in 2012-13.
#3 Gregory Arnolin
Gregory Arnolin, who has played every minute in the Indian Super League so far, has been instrumental in FC Goa’s success so far in the tournament. The former French international has helped his team keep three clean sheets, making an impressive 38 tackles, 8 interceptions and winning 36 aerial duels in the process.
Those numbers make him one of the first names on the teamsheet, and one of the best defenders in the Indian Super League. Arnolin has also scored a goal for the Gaurs.
Arnolin is a youth product of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain’s academy. The 35-year-old was sent on loan to various teams during his time at Paris Saint-Germain,, which included the likes of Red Star and Martimo.
After leaving Paris Saint Germain, he joined La Liga side Sporting Gijon making 98 appearances for them, and scoring three goals. He enjoyed a short spell at Futebol Clube Paços de Ferreira before joining FC Goa last season.
#4 Nicky Shorey
Nicky Shorey, who plays as a left-back, for FC Pune City has been in brilliant form since joining them from League Two side Portsmouth. The 34-year-old has featured in all 11 games for FC Pune City. He has completed 20 tackles, 11 interceptions and has won 6 aerial duels, despite not being a tall defender.
Shorey has also contributed to his team’s attack and has three assists to his credit so far in the tournament. The English defender, who has made two appearances for the England football team in the past, started his career at Leyton Orient where he caught the eye of the then Reading manager Alan Pardew.
Pardew then brought him to Reading, and he went on to make close to 300 appearances for the club. Shorey has also played for Premier League sides Aston Villa, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.
#5 Tiri (Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo)
Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, nicknamed Tiri, has been the standout performer in Ateltico de Kolkatas defense. Tiri, who was brought in the team to replace the injured Josemi, has made 9 appearances so far in the tournament, helping his team have the joint-best defence in the league.
The 24-year-old has made 19 tackles, effected 14interceptions, and won 16aerial duels to become Antonio Habas most important player in defense.
Atletico are now at the top of the table and Tiris form in defence is an important reason why the teams attacking players are able to play with freedom, without having to worry about helping their defenders.
Tiri started his career at Spanish club Cadiz at the age of 17 before signing for Spanish giants Atletico de Madrid. He made 79 games for the Atletico de Madrid B side, but is yet to play for the senior team. He was signed on loan by Atletico de Kolkata at the beginning of the season.
