ISL 2017/18: 5 most influential Indian players this season

#1 Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke has been the best defender for BFC

Rahul Bheke the ex-East Bengal right-back has been having a season to remember so far. Gaining the limelight among players like John Johnson and Juanan is a rare feat, and Bheke has done it time and again this season.

He has undoubtedly been the best BFC defender this season, and the BFC management didn’t waste any time to get the signature of the Mumbai born lad on a long-term contract. With the new contract in place, Rahul will be based in the Garden city till 2021, and it only goes to show how crucial he has been to the team this season.

His versatility has been the biggest positive for the team, as he has played as a Right Back and Centre Back with equal conviction and seemed to have no problems in changing his positions according to the situation.

He has a pass success rate of 80% something is hardly found in Indian defenders and his calmness on the ball has earned him praise from his critics too. He has a high number of blocks credited to his name and has more often than not, covered the mistakes of his foreign colleagues in defense.

Bheke also has 16 crosses to his name a figure which is very high given he played most of the 15 games that he featured in as a Centre Back, and also not to mention his gigantic long throws which have been used as a set piece on a number of occasions.

Rahul is another player who deserves a National team call-up after his performance in the ISL this season.