Note: The team has been chosen purely based on performances of the players and not taking into factor ISL’s rule of having at least 5 Indians in a team.
The end of October signals many things. In the Western world, the final day of the tenth month means it's Halloween and time to get your spooky gear on. Here in India, there's a chance that the festival of Diwali has just passed. Either way, whatever your celebrations, chances are you've had a whole lot more to eat and drink these past few days.
And while slipping back on the couch and reaching for the TV remote or your portable device, there's a high probability you've chanced upon the Indian Super League, now in its third season, and it's halfway stage at the end of October.
Here, we attempt to pick out who shone the brightest in that first half, just like those crackling sparklers during the festival of lights.
Team shape
Playing in India is physically demanding and over 90 minutes. Heat and humidity are absolute pains and they don't choose to excuse good footballers. With that in mind, there will be a defensive midfielder in this team, to do the dirty work and to allow the ones in front of him to preserve their energy for more potent efforts in the attacking third.
A lone forward with two wide midfielders to provide support as well as make sure every blade of grass is covered means we had to opt for a 4- 1-4-1 formation for this Team Of The Month.
Goalkeeper: Subrata Paul (NorthEast United)
Paul has kept goal in every game for his side. Despite having a few tense moments early in the tournament, the India veteran has done well in organising things at the back for a defence that has conceded only five goals (2nd best). He's also made 31 saves, the most by any keeper so far.
Left Back: Richarlyson Felisbino (FC Goa)
Last year's runners-up might resemble a ship riddled with holes, trying valiantly yet failing to plug all of them, all the while sinking to the bottom of the table. Richarlyson has been a bright spark for them. The Brazilian can play left-back, left midfield or even as a defensive midfielder. Playing as Goa’s left-back though, Richarlyson has a goal and assist to his name and has provided a lot of attacking impetus to his team.
CB: Cedric Hengbart (Kerala Blasters)
Age may slow down a lot of things, but not your senses as shown by Hengbart. The 36-year-old Frenchman has been a calming presence in the heart of the Blasters’ defence with his astute reading of the game. The Blasters have been the best defensive unit so far, shipping only four goals. Hengbart was an essential part of Kerala’s run to the final in 2014 and is looking to do the same once again.
CB: Lucian Goian (Mumbai City FC)
Be it throwing himself to smother shots on goal or rising highest to clear balls into the box, Goian has helped Mumbai bolster its defence, an area that has historically been the club's weak point. The Romanian has made 27 tackles, second most in the league, to help his side sit second in the table at present.
Right Back: Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters)
The Blasters defence, as mentioned earlier, has been the best so far this season. So it's no surprise that another Tusker finds his way into the best XI and even less of a surprise when that Blaster happens to be Sandesh Jhingan. Consistently amongst the best defenders every season, Jhingan is at it again. Be it playing centre-back or right-back, Jhingan continues to stymie defences, while also being a leader out on the pitch.
Defensive midfield: Krisztian Vadocz (Mumbai City FC)
This position would have been Pronay Halder’s had injury not struck down the young Indian midfielder. So instead, it's his teammate Vadocz who picks up the buck. In all honesty, Vadocz would have made this team along with Halder; such has been the strength of the Hungarian’s performance. He has been a powerhouse in midfield, both defensively and going forward, serving up two goals, seven crunching tackles and a whole lot of pain to opponents.
Central Midfield: Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC)
The defending champions may have made an inconsistent start to their title defence, but Augusto has once again churned out excellent performances game after game on a consistent basis. With new midfield partner Hans Mulder, Augusto has provided much of the drive to the champions’ play. His final ball might be lacking a bit, but his soft touch and ball control is an asset for any team.
Central Midfield: Milan Singh (Delhi Dynamos)
The 24-year-old Manipur lad has had a stellar season so far in this new look Dynamos side under Gianluca Zambrotta. The Italian legend has put a lot of faith in Milan, and he has not let him down with strong showings every single time. He may not have the numbers to show regarding goals or assists (just one goal), but it's his runs from midfield that have helped his side get into good positions going forward.
Left Wing: Marcelo Leite Perreira (Delhi Dynamos)
I don't think any other player has had an impact on the offence of a team like Marcelinho this season. The super-skilled Brazilian has been a nightmare to guard for defences, rippling the net with four goals and setting up his teammates with four assists as part of the league's best-attacking unit.
Right Wing: Sameehg Doutie (Atletico de Kolkata)
Doutie is like a road runner in that he is fast and hard to catch once he gets away from his marker. His returns so far (2 goals) may not stand out, a result of his teammates’ inability to get him the ball when in good positions. His fantastic volley against Goa may hog the headlines for the rest of the season, but it's his ability to stretch the play that makes him so dangerous.
Forward: Emiliano Alfaro (NorthEast United)
The top-scorer at the halfway stage, Alfaro’s five goals have been hugely important in The Highlanders’ resurgence this season. The Argentine has been extremely dependable as even when he's been marked out of a game; he's taken the little chances that have come his way. His stat line of five goals from 14 shots on goal might look better if not for some profligacy. Playing at the head of the attack, with the trio of Katsumi Yusa, Holicharan Narzary and Nicolas Velez acting as providers for him, the Alfaro looks good to be amongst the lead contenders for the golden boot this season.
Subs: Karanjit Singh (Chennaiyin FC), Anas Edathodika (Delhi Dynamos), Rowllin Borges (NorthEast United), Javi Larra (Atletico de Kolkata), Richard Gadze (Delhi Dynamos)
