'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Juanan Gonzalez
One of the most consistent performers over the past couple of years in the ISL, Juanan Gonzalez just had another day at the office as Bengaluru FC opened their campaign at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium against NorthEast United.
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Facing up against Asamoah Gyan is not an easy task for any defender, given the Ghanaian's power, strength and immense ability to bring others into play. Instead, Juanan didn't let Gyan's reputation precede him. He played the ball, not the man who had the ball, and he came out on top.
Sarthak Golui
In a new role at the heart of a back four this season, Sarthak Golui has started superbly. Yes, Mumbai have kept two clean sheets, and that's the most basic way to quantify his performances, but he has exuded confidence on the pitch, and that was a trait that was missing in his last season at FC Pune City.
What is commendable is that Golui has seamlessly stepped into a leadership role in that back four, after Mato Grgic's injury meant he couldn't even complete the first half of Mumbai's first game.
Sarthak has been strong against some good attackers in Ogbeche, Schembri and Nerijus Valskis. He's been fearless in the tackle, good in the air, but perhaps the most improved aspect is his reading of the game.
Several vital interceptions and blocks exemplified his performance against Chennaiyin, for which he was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Prabir Das
The last year has been a nightmare for the ATK defender, with a knee injury keeping him out of action for all of last season. It's been a hard grind for Prabir Das to get back, with several games in the CFL and with ATK's reserves in the I-League second division needed for him to get back to full fitness.
And now that he's back, he's got a manager who trusts him enough to deploy a system that gets the best out of his strengths, even if it has meant that regular right-back Pritam Kotal has had to slot in as a centre-back in a back three.
Prabir has not neglected his defensive duties at all, but he's been outstanding going on the other end of the pitch, and was especially dangerous in ATK's 5-0 romp over Hyderabad FC.
He even ended that game with an assist, setting up on a plate Edu Garcia's first goal of the night.
Jessel Carneiro
At 29, Jessel Carneiro is somewhat a late bloomer, if you look at it that way. He's made his ISL bow this season, and he has taken to the league like a fish to water. He's not felt out of place for a moment in the Blasters' two games thus far.
He's strong defensively, which is a pre-requisite, but with his cultured left-foot, he could well be a threat at the other end of the pitch. He's also won Eelco Schattorie's trust enough to take set-pieces, and has done his reputation no harm with the general quality of his deliveries.
He could've even had a goal against Mumbai City FC, with a rasping drive from distance, that dipped just over Amrinder's bar.
