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Indian Super League (ISL), since its inception, has attracted a lot of viewers and has been established as one of the most popular leagues in Asia. It has started paying big sums of money to the players involved, especially the ones coming in from Europe.
Mostly, the big money is paid to the forwards who score goals and win matches for their teams. Even the midfielders attract attention with their skills and playmaking abilities and are paid big amounts. The goalkeepers, also, can get in the headlines with some big saves in an important match.
However, defenders are the most under-appreciated and under-valued players in the game of football. But, some clubs understand the importance of having good defenders and pay them handsome fees. Here, we list the five highest paid defenders in the ISL.
#5 Sandesh Jhingan - Rs 1.20 Crore
Jhingan has been a part of the Kerala Blasters since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL). He has made 54 appearances for the side, the most by any Indian in the league.
The 24-year-old also became the first Indian and second overall, after Iain Hume to make 50 appearances in the ISL but surprisingly, he has not scored a single goal yet.
Due to his consistent performances for the Blasters, Jhingan has also solidified his position in the starting XI of the national team and has become a favourite of Stephen Constantine. The club co-owner and Indian cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar has often praised Jhingan's commitment to the club.
#4 Jose Goncalves - $186,047 (Rs. 1.2 Crore)
The Portuguese defender represented his nation in the U-21 European Championships in 2007. After that, he has had stints with Hearts and Nurnberg in Europe and New England Revolution in the USA.
Jose Goncalves moved to India to play in the fourth edition of the Indian Super League. He has made 11 appearances for NorthEast United either at left back or centre back but his performances have not been up to the mark.
His side have conceded 17 goals in 11 matches so far and are languishing at second-last on the points table. For the kind of money he is being paid, one would have expected a better showing from Goncalves.
#3 John Johnson - $211,253 (Rs. 1.36 Crore)
The Englishman started his career with Middlesbrough but soon moved to Northampton Town in League Two. He played for them for four seasons and then moved to India to play for Bengaluru FC in his prime.
Since 2013, John Johnson has made 78 appearances for the club, 10 of them coming this season. He has helped Bengaluru FC keep a good defensive record in their first season in the Indian Super League. They have conceded only 14 goals in 12 matches this season.
He has won the I-League twice and the Federation Cup twice in his stint with the Bengaluru-based side. The 29-year-old had also won the best defender in the I-League in the 2013-14 season.
#2 Tom Thorpe - $239,999 (Rs. 1.54 Crore)
The Englishman has represented his country at all the youth levels from U-16 to U-21. Since leaving Manchester United, the 25-year-old has not seen success in his footballing career. He was also the skipper of England U-19 at the 2012 European Championships.
Thorpe moved to ATK ahead of the fourth edition of the Indian Super League. He has started 10 of the 12 matches that the Kolkata-based side has played this season.
While his side are currently languishing at the eight spot on the table, Thorpe's individual performances have not been exceptional either having made only eight tackles and seven interceptions in 10 matches.
#1 Wes Brown - $289,672 (Rs. 1.87 Crore)
The former Manchester United central defender moved to Kerala Blasters for the fourth edition of the Indian Super League. He has partnered Sandesh Jhingan in the central defence for the Blasters.
He has featured in 10 matches of the 14 played by the Kerala-based side this season. Brown has often been played out of position as a central defensive midfielder by the former manager Rene Muelensteen. But ever since David James has taken charge, he has played as a central defender.
The Englishman has been one of the most consistent performers for his side this season but there is still work to do as the Blasters are still fighting for a place in the playoffs.
