ISL 2017/18: Top 6 players for Kerala Blasters this season

The 4th edition of the Indian Super League saw the team in yellow finishing at position six as they narrowly lost the spot in the semi-finals. The yellow army has qualified for the Super Cup to be held soon. This team had both ups and downs all along the tournament. They have lost just five matches, but its the draws(7) which cost them points. Let us see who performed the best for KBFC in the league.

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#5 Courage Pekuson

Courage Pekuson was dominant in midfield

The Ghanaian midfielder has been the powerhouse for the yellow army, throughout all 17 matches played for a total of 1513 minutes. He's been in exceptional form this season except for the missed penalty in the crucial southern derby against Chennaiyin FC.

He's been the link between defense and attack. He has 56 tackles, and 15 interceptions, to his name and has received only 1 yellow card so far.

Midfield is the department which needs to be improved as noted from this season. Let's hope that James will retain the 23-year old in the team to do so. He's got a special style of play similar to Paul Pogba, blocking the ball with the body.

#4 Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan has been rock solid at the back

Jhingan, undoubtedly, has been the rock at the back for Kerala Blasters FC since the first edition of the ISL. He's the warrior in the team who has been unshaken for 4 years. His confidence in tackling the ball from the players' feet is exceptional. He's lead the team from the front this year.

His spirit and motivation is something that every young emerging player should learn. He's also been compared with foreign players, which is rare in the nation.

He not only keeps goals at bay, but also makes runs forward, crosses and helps the strikers. He just doesn't stay still. He's the most hardworking player in the team. His development at the club has attracted attention from foreign clubs too.

As an Indian, let's hope that he'll keep the foreign strikers silent when he wears the Blue Tigers jersey.

#3 Lalruatthara

We could see Lalruatthara in the national team soon

The Mizoram youngster has been outstanding in the defensive line along with Jhingan.

He's hailed as the emerging player of the season by the club. His playing style is unique. He plays fearlessly and also moves forward through the wings. His tackles are inch perfect. He has 85 tackles to his name, earning 4 yellow cards in the process.

He's one of the few consistent players for the southern side, and he'll be looking to keep up his form in the coming seasons. His tracking back ability has made him a very good player.

The 23-year old will be under the radar of the national team coach, Stephen Constantine. He'll be looking forward to making his debut in the senior national team. He has played two matches for the U-23 national team last year.

#2 Iain Hume / Gudjon Baldvinsson

Iain Hume has been unfortunate this year

The warrior of ISL, Iain Hume is arguably the best player in ISL. He's played in all four seasons. He played for Kerala Blasters in the first season and the fourth season, while he played for ATK in the 2nd and 3rd.

Scoring 5 goals in the 13 matches he played, made it difficult for opposition defenders to lock up. He was the strike-force until injury struck him in the crucial stages of the season.

Then came the Icelandic hero, Baldvinsson.

Gudjon Baldvinsson proved to be the perfect replacement

Gudjon Baldvinsson came over in the January transfer window to replace Mark Sifneos who left the club for FC Goa. He took over the role of Iain Hume. Even though he couldn't reach up to the expectations, he was the best one upfront. He has a similar fighting spirit like the Canadian which ensured him a goal and an assist in the 6 matches played.

#1 Keziron Kizito

Keziron "DUDE" Kizito

Kizito, called by the fans as 'Dude', was the 8th foreign player signed by the club.

He has played just 4 matches after which he injured his shoulder and had to leave the squad. His performance in just those matches is enough to understand the brilliance of the 21-year old.

The Ugandan youngster has been the best on the pitch. He's too quick and his decisions are pin-point. He's played almost 90% error-free. His presence on the ground gave the team an extra energy.

Kerala Blasters has won 2, drawn 1, and lost 1 in the 4 matches he played. And the team was the best at that time.

They are expected to retain the youngster as he'll be looking to get more love from the famous Manjappada (Kerala Blasters' Fans Club).