I-League: The Bengaluru FC & Pune FC combined XI

Right Midfield: Beikhokhei Beingaichho (BFC)

Photo Credit: Bengaluru FC

There are plenty of quality wide midfielders in both sides but Beikhokhei has undoubtedly been the best right midfielder of this season. The 21-year-old has not only set up goals from his crosses and set-piece deliveries but has also netted three times in all competitions. Beikhokhei would soon get a senior national team call-up if he continues to be consistent.

Central Midfield: John Menyongar (BFC)

Photo Credit: Bengaluru FC

There hasn’t been a better deep-lying playmaker in the I-League this season than this Liberian. The 34-year-old’s class and experience has been vital for Bengaluru’s inexperienced squad and his consistency has made them genuine title contenders. If Menyongar is at his best in the final four games of the season, Bengaluru have every chance of lifting the I-League trophy.

Central Midfield: Siam Hanghal (BFC)

Siam Hanghal pointing to the crowd after scoring against DempoPhoto Credit: Bengaluru FC

The Tata Football Academy graduate has exceeded expectations in his first-ever I-League campaign as he has made 17 appearances and played a key role in Bengaluru’s title challenge. Hanghal’s level of performances from the middle of the park has been better than many of the experienced midfielders in the country. The 20-year-old has plenty of time in his career to make further improvements and become a regular in the national team also.

Left Midfield: Gabriel Fernandes (PFC)

Gabriel Fernandes sends out a message after scoringPhoto Credit: Pune FC

Although he has been mainly used on the right wing by Pune, Gabriel simply had to be in this team for being one of the best Indian players in 2014. The 25-year-old started the season at Dempo but was rarely used there and Pune capitalised by signing him in the winter transfer window. Ever since joining the Red Lizards, Gabriel has both scored and created goals. He is capable of playing in both flanks and is not far away from India team setup.

Attacking Midfielder: Douhou Pierre (PFC)

Photo Credit: Pune FC

Former Bolton man Riga Mustapha has usually functioned in this role recently but Pune’s best performances have come when Douhou has operated as the playmaker behind the striker. The Ivorian was Pune’s best player in the first half of the season and has made vital contributions from a deeper role also in recent games. Douhou is indispensable for Pune because when he has a bad game, Mike Snoei’s side tend to struggle.