I-League Team of the season so far

Midfielders

Right Midfielder: Beikhokhei Beingaichho (Bengaluru FC)

The former East Bengal and United Sikim midfielder has revived his career at Bengaluru with a string of quality performances for the I-League debutants. Bengaluru have a number of creative players but Beikhokhei has been the most efficient as he creates plenty of chances through his crosses from flanks and set-piece deliveries. He has undoubtedly been the best right midfielder this season and is also admired by the growing fanbase of Bengaluru for his work-rate.

Central Midfielder: John Menyongar (Bengaluru FC)

The experience and class of this former Liberian international has been a calming influence on Bengaluru’s young midfield. Menyongar doesn’t always grab the headlines but playing in the role of a deep-lying playmaker he has become indispensable to his new club as most attacks are built through him. The 34-year-old’s passing is a joy to watch and he has also contributed with two vital goals. Menyongar would have to remain at his best if Bengaluru want to win the title.

Central Midfielder: Douhou Pierre (Pune FC)

Douhou Pierre (No.11)

Despite mounting a title challenge, Pune have struggled offensively this season but it’s not that they haven’t had chances as Douhou has created plenty of opportunities throughout the season. The Ivorian is Pune’s primary creative force as his drive from midfield and passing has been exceptional. He has often produced the killer ball but due to the absence of a genuine quality goal scorer following Raul Fabiani’s release, the Red Lizards haven’t been prolific in front of goal. Douhou though has kept delivering the goods.

Left Midfielder: Nikhil Kadam (Pune FC)

Nikhil Kadam (in red)

The Pune FC academy graduate has played a key role in Pune’s title bid and been one of the best wide midfielders of this campaign. Kadam’s pace, trickery and willingness to take on opposition defenders has been refreshing considering the dearth of young creative players in the country. The 20-year old would still want to score more goals as he has only netted once but is one of the first names in Mike Snoei’s team sheet and was badly missed in the defeats to Rangdajied United and Mohun Bagan.

Attacking Midfielder: Ogba Kalu Nnanna (Sporting Clube)

The attractive style of play and energy of Oscar Bruzon’s young squad has won them many admirers but the Goan club wouldn’t be sitting in second place without the power and experience of Ogba Kalu. The Nigerian gives the Flaming Oranje the cutting edge in the final third with his finishing being better than many high-profile strikers in the league. Team effort has been essential in Sporting Clube’s surprise title challenge but Kalu’s quality has been decisive and he is the only player to score a hattrick this season.