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#2 Defence
Robin Gurung
A strong defence is an integral part of any team’s success. With teams focused on going forward and getting goals, the importance of the defence goes up that many notches.
We saw quite a few good, resolute defensive performances across teams, but our first pick for the back-line is the versatile NorthEast United FC defender Robin Gurung. Gurung, who by trait is a centre-back, was deployed as a left-back, and the youngster was unfazed by the same. He was very strong in the tackle and offered great mobility throughout the game.
Last ditch tackles, up and down movement on the flanks, great reading of the game, his game had all those attributes in abundance as he played a pivotal role in keeping two clean sheets for the Highlanders. Though Velez provided the winning finish in the game against ATK, Robin Gurung was the unsung hero at the back with a heroic performance. Due to his versatility, he takes his place as the right-back on defence.
Pavel Cmovs
Though the likes of Bernard Mendy and Gregory Arnolin had a goal apiece for their teams, which also helped their teams get wins, a defender’s major responsibility is to defend and mark their lines. So we have Mumbai City FC’s Pavel Cmovs and NorthEast United’s Cedric Hengbart marshalling the defence. Cmovs was Mumbai City FC’s wall at the back last season and he is continuing to be the same. He kept a close check on Robin Singh and nullified his aerial threat, while he also thrived against FC Goa, keeping the likes of Moura, Daryll Duffy and Victorino Fernandes quiet, and adding another clean sheet to his tally.
Cedric Hengbart
Hengbart, on the other hand, showed why NorthEast United went out to get him from Kerala Blasters. An experienced head, he is fearless while going into tackles and is a leader in the backline and all those qualities were on display in the last two games. Not only have the youngsters found a mentor in him, the opposition have found a foe in Hengbart.
Lalchhuanmawia Fanai
Fanai, the Mumbai City FC left back impressed with his work ethic and overall play. He combined well with Norde on the left and despite reluctance from Norde to track-back and provide extra support, Fanai managed well in shutting off the left flank.
