I-League 2018-19: Best XI from the first half of the season

Defenders

Manoj Mohammad (East Bengal)

He is the only player apart from Mohun Bagan’s Abhishek Ambekar to have played all matches as a left-back

Forget about others, not even East Bengal supporters heard his name before the start of the I-League season.

When new coach Alejandro Menendez fielded him in their first match against NEROCA FC, many eyebrows were raised.

But the Jalpaiguri-born not only proved his doubters wrong, earned praise from all the corners along the way as well. He is the only player apart from Mohun Bagan’s Abhishek Ambekar to have played all matches as a left-back.

Menendez has rotated his squad in almost every match but two or three positions remained static. One is certainly for Manoj. The player from East Bengal academy put up inspiring performance in every match.

Borja Gomez (East Bengal)

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East Bengal have opted for some Spanish players this time and central defender Borja Gomez is one of them. Chosen by the coach, Borja has provided the much-needed solidity in East Bengal defence.

The no-nonsense defender has so far performed well in the league. The coach may have shuffled between Johnny Acosta and Salam Ranjan Singh in another central defensive position, but Borja’s place remained constant.

He has the perfect height and physique to resist opponent strikers. His tackles have also come good for the team.

Moreover, he is very effective in scoring goals from a corner, which he did against Aizawl FC. Similarly, he can keep the ball out safely when a flag-kick is given against his team.

Mason Robertson (Real Kashmir FC)

Real Kashmir FC have conceded the least number of goals compared to other teams and Robertson played a decisive role in that

Probably one of the revelations in this edition, Mason Robertson left an English lower-tier club Peterhead to play for Real Kashmir FC under his father’s coaching. The decision proved right as he caught the eye of experts with his performance.

Real Kashmir FC have conceded the least number of goals compared to other teams and Robertson played a decisive role in that. His marking, tackles and clearance have all come good for the team, who are playing their debut season.

In fact, Robertson is as effective as Borja in terms of scoring and blocking goals from corners.

Arijit Bagui (Mohun Bagan)

Mohun Bagan have not performed well as far as defensive issues are concerned. But no one can question the ability of Arijit Bagui, who featured regularly in the team as a right-back.

Apart from his defensive duties, Arijit can double up as a winger too. Running down the line, Arijit can easily cut inside and deliver a cross for the strikers.

His crosses are so lethal and pinpoint that most of the time those are converted into goals. Arijit is also a good free-kick taker.