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We came to an end of a frantic season of the Indian Super League with Chennaiyin FC lifting the title. Both Chennaiyin and FC Goa served up an exciting final and it is safe to say that the best team won on the night.Compared to last season, this time there were more goals scored. Furthermore, the Indian players also came to the fore and delivered on innumerable occasions. Games were often won by moments of individual brilliance or great teamwork.Having come to the end of the tournament, we present to you our Team of the Tournament. We have chosen the 4-3-3 formation and also have seven substitutes on the bench.
#1 Goalkeeper
Edel Bete
Edel was brilliant last season and takes the plaudits this time around as well. However, the start was one to forget for him. In his very first game for Chennaiyin, he let in two poor goals and early on lost his place in the starting line-up to Karanjit Singh.
But he picked himself up and stepped up his performances. In the last four games of the league season, he did not concede a single goal and that enabled his side to go through.
Edel denied his former side Atletico de Kolkata in the second leg of the semi-final and also played a crucial role in the final. His exploits earn him a place in our Team of the Tournament.
#2 Defence
Mehrajuddin Wadoo
The former Indian international was a revelation as a right-back in this season of the tournament. He adjusted to his new role and played with great ease and belief.
Even when Chennaiyin were struggling, Wadoo was a key player for them who consistently performed. He was rock solid at the back and provided options to his teammates as they ventured forward.
His performance in this tournament could well earn him a call up to the national side in the future.
Anas Edathodika - Delhi Dynamos
Anas was picked up by the Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural players auction for an amount of Rs. 41 lac and he repaid the faith by putting in some brilliant displays. At the back, he partnered the legendary John Arne Riise and matched the performances of the ex-Liverpool star.
For Anas, the ISL was a great platform and he made full use of it. Not only at the back, Anas was a threat from corners upfront and even managed to score a goal for his side.
Mailson Alves - Chennaiyin FC
Mailson was a key player in his side’s resurgence in the later part of the season. He played some brilliant football at the back and prevented the opposition from scoring.
Early on, the Brazilian was not a regular for the MS Dhoni-owned outfit. Yet, he quickly managed to earn his place in the side and thereafter played some consistent football, making eleven appearances. And in the end, it was nice to see that his efforts yielded the right results.
Nicky Shorey – FC Pune City
The former Reading man stole the show with his displays in this season of the Indian Super League. He was the complete left-back who defended well at the back and provided options to his side upfront.
A memorable game for him will surely be the tie against the Kerala Blasters where he provided three brilliant crosses and all of them resulted in his team hitting the back of the net.
Sadly for him, his teammates could not put in similar performances and hence failed to make it to the last four.
#3 Midfield
Eugeneson Lyngdoh – FC Pune City
The Bengaluru FC man was the first player in the auction to get a crore plus deal and he truly lived up to the price tag. Lyngdoh was one of the bright spots in a largely disappointing season for the team from Pune.
Lyngdoh made the position in the centre of the field his own and provided two assists and also scored two goals. Unfortunately, his performances weren’t enough for his side to make the last four.
Leo Moura - FC Goa
Leo Moura was the star performer for FC Goa as they made the final of the tournament for the very first time. Moura played the role of a playmaker to the best of his abilities, controlling the midfield very well and linking up well with the forwards.
Three FC Goa players managed to score hat-tricks and they have the Brazilian to thank for it. Moura’s ability to run with the ball and his precise passing made him a key player for FC Goa.
Harmanjot Khabra - Chennaiyin FC
Khabra might be viewed by some as a surprise in this list but there can be no denying that this player is as integral to Chennai’s performances as say Stiven Mendoza. Khabra is known to drop back when needed and also provides options upfront.
The East Bengal man got himself sent off on two occasions and it was then that Chennaiyin struggled. With Khabra in the side, the team looked a well balanced unit and that just goes to show his impact.
#4 Attack
Iain Hume - Atletico de Kolkata
Last season’s Player of the Season was brilliant this time as well. He took a few games to get into his rhythm but after that did not look back.
Hume scored two hat-tricks, taking his tally to eleven goals for the season. He linked up well with Sameehg Doutie and also provided 4 assists.
When Kolkata looked down and out, Hume took charge and got the job done on many occasions. Unfortunately for him, the ISL title still eludes him, despite him being one of the stars.
Sunil Chhetri - Mumbai City FC
The Indian captain had an instant impact in the league and helped his side win three games on the trot. Mumbai City needed someone like Chhetri and they did well to get hold of him.
Chhetri scored 7 goals for Mumbai this season including a hat-trick which was the first by any Indian in the ISL. He linked up well with Sony Norde and managed to trouble the opposition defences a lot.
Although Mumbai were eliminated, Chhetri’s seven goals earn him a place in our Team of the Tournament.
John Stiven Mendoza - Chennaiyin FC
To put it simply, Stiven Mendoza’s goals enabled Chennaiyin FC to lift the title. Mendoza was a menace for opposition defences to handle as he scored thirteen goals in the campaign.
Mendoza stepped up and delivered at a time when Elano was struggling. He scored two hat-tricks and it is safe to say that without his presence upfront, Chennaiyin wouldn’t have been the force they were and would definitely have not won the title.
#5 Substitutes
Amrinder Singh – Atletico de Kolkata
The young man from Punjab was a key player for the reigning champions. Although he managed to keep only one clean sheet, his performances were consistent throughout. He kept his side in the game on numerous occasions and it was only due to his horror showing in the semis that he didn’t make our starting eleven.
Arnab Mondal – Atletico de Kolkata
The East Bengal defender has become one of the most dependable defenders in Indian football. He is rock solid at the back and is loved by his fans for his “never say die” attitude. Initially, he struggled this season but quickly regrouped and managed to help his side into the semi-finals.
Bernard Mendy – Chennaiyin FC
Mendy played a key role in his side’s journey to winning the ISL title. Although the Frenchman wasn’t as good as last season, his displays were crucial to his side’s chances. He was a bit inconsistent early on and that robbed him of a place in our starting eleven.
Jonathan Lucca – FC Goa
Lucca partnered Leo Moura well in midfield and helped the attackers. He provided options moving forward and was strong as he helped out at the back. He scored 3 goals during the tournament but his efforts weren’t enough for Goa to win the title.
Florent Malouda – Delhi Dynamos
The Frenchman was possible the best player for Delhi this season. His presence in midfield made it a daunting task for the opposition defenders. Malouda was the perfect playmaker, providing some key balls for his attackers and also making inroads himself. Unfortunately for the Dynamos, Malouda failed to shine in the semis.
Robin Singh – Delhi Dynamos
The Indian international also had a great season. He scored quite a few goals and was an imposing presence up front for his side. His ability to head the ball well proved to be an asset for the side and he took advantage of it. He scored in the first leg of the semi-finals but failed to add to his tally in the second leg.
Reinaldo – FC Goa
The Brazilian forward was lethal for his side upfront. He battled an injury early on and came back strong to score a hat-trick. The balls coming in from the likes of Moura and Lucca were properly dealt with by Reinaldo and that eventually led to his team making the final of the competition.
