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Defenders
Right Back: Collin Abranches (Mohammedan Sporting)
A move to Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting was a massive step up for the 22-year-old but instead of buckling under pressure he raised his game and has turned out to be the most consistent right back of the league so far. Collin has been the only ever-present player for Mohammedan this season and looked comfortable both while defending and going forward. An India call-up won’t be far away if he has an equally good second half of the season.
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Centre Back: John Johnson (Bengaluru FC)
The former Middlesbrough defender is one of the best signings of this season as he has been instrumental in Bengaluru leading the table. Johnson has been a colossal figure at the heart of the Bengaluru defence and also contributed with three vital goals. The 25-year-old edges out Pune’s Calum Angus in this selection for being slightly more influential for his team Bengaluru, whose defence looked ordinary in Johnson’s absence against East Bengal and the final few minutes of the Salgaocar clash last weekend.
Centre Back: Anas Edathodika (Pune FC)
Anas has been built on last season’s consistency by being the best Indian central defender this term. Pune’s club captain has been ever-present for the Red Lizards, playing a key role in their impressive defensive record. The 26-year-old still has plenty of room for improvement but looks physically stronger now and been the ideal partner for Englisman Angus. The Kerala-born player has been very unfortunate not to win an India cap by now but his consistency can’t go unnoticed for long.
Left Back: Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC)
Playing at international level has seen Gurjinder become a matured player now as his positioning and anticipation has improved immensely this season. The 23-year-old has also been more adventurous going forward, scoring once and creating a few goals. There are plenty of talented young left backs around with Bengaluru’s Keegan Pereira and Gurjinder’s national teammate Narayan Das of Dempo being very impressive but the Pune defender gets the nod in this team for being slightly more consistent.
