I-League 2018-19: Best XI of the season

The I-League has gifted us many footballers who have made the competition more special than ever before.

With Chennai City FC just a win away from claiming their maiden I-League title, other teams have also given them a tough fight. East Bengal and Real Kashmir FC have also been excellent throughout, even though they might fall short.

A lot of footballers have become household names during the course of the ongoing season. While some have re-established themselves on the big stage, others rose into prominence for the first time.

It was expected that the foreigners will hog the majority of the spotlight, but some of them disappointed, while others flourished.

Among the Indians, it is the youngsters who were determined to prove themselves, have actually done so.

Even though a lot of domestic talents have shifted towards the cash-rich Indian Super League, there have still been abundant talents who impressed in the 2018-19 I-League season.

Let us have a look at the best playing XI in the I-League:

Playing XI (4-3-3): Lalit Thapa (GK), Edwin Venspaul, Borja Gomez Perez, Aron Katebe, Manoj Mohammed, Kassim Aidara, Laldanmawia Ralte, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Willis Plaza, Jobby Justin, Pedro Manzi

Goalkeeper

Lalit Thapa (NEROCA FC)

Lalit Thapa has previously played for FC Pune City

The veteran goalkeeper has been a stalwart for NEROCA FC this season, coming into the rescue on several occasions. Although he did not feature in the first five rounds for the team, he was a regular from the sixth one.

Using his experience to the optimum level, Lalit has been the most effective footballer under the sticks in the I-League, which makes him an obvious choice in this list.

The Manipur based footballer has been playing for NEROCA FC since 2016, prior to which he represented ISL outfits FC Pune City

Defenders

Borja Gomez Perez was roped in by East Bengal prior to the start of the season

Edwin Venspaul (Chennai City FC)

Chennai City FC has been the surprise package of the I-League this season. Apart from the contributions from the foreign recruits, the local talents have also been responsible for the favourable outcome.

Edwin Venspaul is one such player who has emerged as of the most effective emerging footballer in the ongoing season. His contributions were invaluable to Chennai City FC’s title hunt; he has a bright future ahead!

Borja Gomez Perez (East Bengal)

Borja Gomez Perez has provided stability in the defence for East Bengal since his arrival. Along with Johnny Acosta, the two central defenders have hardly let the opposition to penetrate through and take a shot at goal.

The Spaniard has been exceptional with aerial balls, cleared dangerous balls with ease and has done his other duties with perfection. It will be harsh in them if they do not manage to win the I-League.

Gourav Bora (Chennai City FC)

After being roped in by ISL outfits FC Pune City, Gourav was loaned to Chennai City FC, which might have been a turning point in his career.

Akbar Nawas showed faith in the young stopper and he was not disappointed. The footballer from Assam has been phenomenal at the back, provided the much-needed support to Spanish defender Roberto Eslava. Bora has been one of the emerging players in this years I-League.

Manoj Mohammed (East Bengal)

The side-back was not a part of East Bengal’s Calcutta Football League squad. Spanish gaffer Alejandro Menendez included him in the senior team just before the 2018-19 I-League season kicked-off.

Having made his debut for the red and gold brigade against NEROCA FC, he impressed as a side-back, even though his normal playing position was as a centre back. Since then, he was a regular in the starting XI.

Midfielders

Laldanmawia Ralte has been phenomenal this season

Laldanmawia Ralte (East Bengal)

Laldanmawia Ralte was part of Aizawl FC’s I-League winning squad in the 2016-17 season, a year later, he was roped in by East Bengal.

Having fared exceptionally well in the Calcutta Football League, the onus was on him to repeat the same in the I-League.

He passed the test with flying colours with his runs down the wings often creating a danger to the opposition. Laldanmawia has scored seven goals this season which includes a brace in the win over Mohun Bagan last year.

Kassim Aidara (East Bengal)

Kassim Aidara has played a very responsible role for the Kolkata giants this season. At the heart of the midfield, he has managed to maintain the possession, nullify counter attacks and distribute balls up front.

The holding midfielder was the unsung hero for the Alejandro Menendez’s team in the I-League. The Senegalese was a vital member in Minerva Punjab FC’s I-League winning team last year.

Nestor Gordillo (Chennai City FC)

Nestor Gordillo has by far been the most versatile player in the I-League. Mainly known for his playmaking skills, he has provided numerous assists for Chennai City’s forward Pedro Manzi.

The trio of Nestor, Pedro and Sandro Rodriguez has been nightmarish for the opponents. Apart from his regular duties, Nestor has scored eight goals which were a bonus for Akbar Nawas’ side.

Forwards

Pedro Manzi scored four hat-tricks this season

Willis Plaza (Churchill Brothers FC)

Willis Plaza has arguably made the most extraordinary comeback in the history of the I-League so far.

After he was overlooked by East Bengal in the previous season, Churchill Brothers FC gave him an opportunity to prove his worth once again.

Having scored 17 goals in an equal number of matches, he was a lethal weapon for the Goa-based side throughout the I-League, terrorising the opponents’ defence on regular occasions.

Jobby Justin (East Bengal)

Jobby Justin has improved as a player drastically within a few months, mainly under the influence of Spanish tactician Alejandro Menendez.

He has scored a few breath-taking goals this season, including the one which he scored against Mohun Bagan. Apart from providing a few assists, he has scored nine goals this season, the most by an Indian player.