Sportskeeda Awards 2018: Who was the best in Indian football?

The year 2018 passed by in no time, granting us with a large pool of memories from the very first day in terms of the action that surrounded Indian football.

From Kashmir's emergence as a serious force in the top-flight, Indian Olympic Association's initial decision to not allow the national team to ply their trade in the Asian Games, the Continental Cup triumph and Sunil Chhetri's goal-scoring record to the SAFF Championship exploits, Gourav Mukhi's age controversy and Star Sports' settlement to telecast selected I-League matches, the calendar year had it all.

Most importantly, the nation continued to take giant strides towards larger recognition and self-furnishing.

Along with the management’s contributions, Stephan Constantine’s constant tactical developments and the burgeoning rise of the Indian Super League, a lot comes down to the players to supply the goods and up the levels of the quality of the beautiful game in India.

Both the I-League and ISL continued to produce fantastic talent over the course of the year, but a few players really took on the responsibility on their shoulders. With each passing game, these professionals developed a spring in their step and exhibited match-winning performances on a consistent basis.

We conducted a poll asking the fans who they thought was the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward of the year 2018. Below are the winners chosen by you:

#1 Best Goalkeeper - Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

No prizes for guessing, the best goalkeeper is none other than India's distinguished number 1, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Apart from Sunil Chhetri, if there is one player who is worthy of constituting the Blue Tigers' spine, it's the Bengaluru FC shot-stopper.

He was up against his national teammate and Mumbai City FC glove man Amrinder Singh, but comprehensively beat him with 66% show of hands. Since his switch to the Kanteerava Stadium, the Punjab goalie has gone from strength to strength.

This season as well, he has been a vital cog in BFC's tight defence, which has only shipped 9 goals in 11 outings. With four clean sheets and a staggering save percentage of 77.8%, Gurpreet is setting the stage on fire in this edition of the ISL too.

For the national side, his jaw-dropping saves against China are a true example of the player's potential, importance and excellence. Enough said.

#2 Best defender - Rahul Bheke

There's nothing this man cannot do on the football pitch

Bengaluru FC's star defender, Rahul Bheke, claims the best defender's prize with aplomb. The versatile player's ability to slot into any position across the back line, whip the ball in with purpose, add solidity to the defensive ranks and chip in with goals has won him 48% of the ballot.

He outclassed former Middlesbrough defender John Johnson, the ever-so-reliable Sandesh Jhingan and Lucian Goian. The latter came second with 21% of the votes, while Jhingan and Johnson only mustered 19% and 12% respectively.

His capability to perform at right back, left back or as a center-half allows Carles Cuadrat to try various permutations and combinations and rest some of the other defenders. Arguably the Blues' only weakness is the lack of depth in their squad - something that is kept in check to a notable extent due to the presence of Bheke.

With two goals, one assist, 27 tackles, 13 interceptions and 62 clearances, the 28-year-old is leading the side's title challenge with conviction.

#3 Best midfielder - Michael Soosairaj

Soosairaj has been in sublime form for Jamshedpur this season

Michael Soosairaj's heroics for Jamshedpur FC largely impressed the Indian fans and therefore, clinched the best midfielder's honour. Right from the word go, the 24-year-old has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and been a titanic figure for his side, who have lost only once so far in the ISL this term.

With 38% of the votes, he reached the very top, seeing off fierce competition from Chennaiyin's Raphael Augusto (22%), Dimas Delgado (19%) and ATK's talisman Manuel Lanzarote (23%). Now that's some victory.

Soosai's knack of injecting pace, running fearlessly with the ball, finding little pockets of space and vision make him one of the rarest commodities in Indian football. Although he loves to go down the left, the Kanyakumari-born midfielder is adept at occupying various positions.

His defensive contribution coupled with the work rate he displays is one of the reasons why he is arguably the most complete young midfielder in the country. His work for Chennai City FC last season was also taken into account by fans.

#4 Best forward - Jobby Justin

One of the finest finishers in the country

And now, the best forward for the year goes too... Jobby Justin! Yes, the East Bengal sharpshooter overcame stiff competition from the beloved Sunil Chhetri, FC Goa's Ferran Corominas and Senegalese sensation Modou Sougou to receive the recognition.

Even Coro’s lethal show in front of goal for the Gaurs and Chhetri’s selfless contributions for the national side and BFC couldn’t stand a chance against Justin’s staggering purple patch, as the Kerala-born striker received almost half the number of votes.

While the Indian skipper won 26% of the votes, Coro amassed 22%. Sougou only managed a consolatory 3% of the votes.

After brief spells at Travancore Titanium and Kerala State Electricity Board, the 25-year-old joined the Red and Gold brigade at the start of the 2017-18 campaign. With six goals in just nine outings in the I-League so far, Justin has set himself apart from the rest.

Moreover, he has spearheaded his side in the campaign so far by soaking in the extra pressure as the team's most important man. The number 9's conversion rate, sharp movement and work rate are the causes of his comprehensive victory here.