#3 Solid Defence
Kerala have conceded only 15 goals this season. Their defence has been largely what has got them through to the semis. Kerala scored the least goals by any team in the league, and given that, it was important that they didn’t concede too many.
Their captain, Aaron Hughes’ importance to the side cannot be understated. Kerala have struggled when their marquee player has been away on national duty for Northern Ireland. Him and Cedric Hengbart have used all of the experience to marshal the likes of Sandesh Jhingan and Pratik Chowdhary through games. Hughes has been the leader, but Hengbart has not been left behind.
The Frenchman has been vocal in ensuring that Kerala stay organised. However, it is also important to mention Mehtab Hossain’s contributions. The veteran Indian has sat in front of the back four and relieved the pressure from them, in the process also ensuring that the likes of Nazon and Mahamat Azrack can move forward with a little more freedom.
