ISL 2017: Top 5 defenders of Round 2

Bengaluru FC have maintained the top spot after round 2 of ISL 2017 and shown why reaching the finals of the AFC Cup last year was not a fluke. A surprise, however, is the two-time champions ATK closer to the bottom of the table at 9th position. A number of defenders held fort well in their respective round 2 games and led their team to victory. Here are the top 5 defenders from the round 2, who made their mark.

Pritam Kotal

Unarguably the best performer for Delhi Dynamos in round 2. The right-back was influential in both defence and attack. He could have got the second goal for his team in the stoppage time had he not messed up the clear goal scoring opportunity.

Perhaps, it was the only time the national team first choice right back faltered in the game. He kept Bheke and Chhetri quiet on the right flank for almost the entirety of the game. Although, he was a tad slow at times, he covered up with his defending skills. He has had 123 touches on the ball in the first two games, which shows his importance in the game for Delhi Dynamos. He should be playing a key role in the campaign if Delhi Dynamos want to win their maiden title this season.

Jerry Lalrinzuala

The left-back from Mizoram rightly took the emerging player of the match award owing to his solid display from the left flank. The 19-year old helped Chennaiyin FC beat NorthEast United FC 3-0 in a game marred by other controversies as well. He kept NorthEast United's star players Odair and Luis Alfonso quiet for most of the game.

Not only the defence but he darted down the left flank to provide assistance in attack as well. The young defender does have good shot in him, although he has not capitalised on that as of yet.

Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan has been the find of ISL and he has proven it time and again why he is one of the best defenders in the country. His performance as the centre-back helped Kerala Blasters FC salvage a draw against the new entrants Jamshedpur FC.

The defender, who also happens to be the captain of Kerala Blasters FC, usually cuts a stable figure in defence as he made a number of important interceptions and won every aerial duel. His influence from the back as defender and as a leader greatly helped the midfield in creating attacking oppurtunities for the team.

Paul Rachubka and .Jhingan partnered well at the back and made sure Blasters do not end up losing. Sandesh kept the presence of Azuka unnoticed as well and made a number of tackles at the right time. His success rate is clearly visible in this season's stats which claim 8 successful tackles made by him this season along with 113 completed passes.

Nemanja Lakic-Pesic

Nemanja Lakic-Pesic was the partner in crime with Sandesh Jhingan at the back of the line up of Kerala Blasters. Although stars like Iain Hume and Dimitar Berbatov could not score a goal, Nemanja held fort and did not let his team concede a goal either.

Despite not being a midfielder, he has the fourth highest number of completed passes in the current ISL season - 135. He had a great control over the ball throughout the game and did not let the Jamshdedpur hitman Belfort score. He also made 4 tackles in his first two games showing his utility without the ball as well.

Marcio Rosario

The Brazilian defender had a brilliant outing at the Mumbai Football Arena against FC Goa. He handled every Goan attack that came in front of him and made sure his team ends up winning. His height of 1.87m provided him good aerial stability and he was able to win almost every aerial duel that came his way.

Although he did not have many touches on the ball nor he made many tackles or interceptions but his presence was influential enough to drive his team to victory. Both teams eyeing victory became very physical and Rosario also picked up a booking in the process which will make him play carefully in the next game FC Pune City.