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Defenders:
Manoj Mohammad (East Bengal)
Many eyebrows were raised when East Bengal coach Alejandro Menendez introduced him in their very first match, despite having more options on the left back position. But the boy from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal has only impressed since his debut.
A product from the East Bengal academy, Manoj can provide the solidity on the left-back position and can overlap to provide crosses to the strikers. He doesn’t have a good physique, but it’s really difficult to get past him.
Edwin Sydney Vanspaul (Chennai City FC)
Chennai City may have conceded eight goals this season, but the performance of Edwin Vanspaul stood above everyone. Vanspaul can go up and down constantly and chase the strikers. He has good tackles and has the ability to mark a player. Against East Bengal, he had played a major role in keeping Jobby Justin and Enrique Esqueda under check. He played every match for Chennai City this season and will be looking for more improvement in the upcoming fixtures.
Muhammad Hamad (Real Kashmir)
Muhammad Hamad almost decided to be a cricketer before a practice game in the vicinity landed him in the world of football. One of the main reason behind Real Kashmir’s triumph in the second division I-League last season is Hamad. His talent was discovered by none other than legendary Kashmiri footballer Abdul Majeed Kakroo. This season, Hamad has played all the matches for Real Kashmir and his impressive performance made him immensely popular among the locals. To finish in a respectable position, Real Kashmir would look to Hamad’s performance.
Lalramchullova (East Bengal)
The footballer from Mizoram had started his career with Aizawl FC. He was a vital part in Aizawl FC’s title-winning team. After an average debut season with East Bengal, Lalramchullova is, at last, finding his form under Menendez. East Bengal won their first two away games and in both the matches, Lalramchullova played brilliantly. He thwarted every attack from the right side. He also combined with the central defenders.
