Sportskeeda Awards 2018: Who was the best in Indian football?

#2 Best defender - Rahul Bheke

There's nothing this man cannot do on the football pitch

Bengaluru FC's star defender, Rahul Bheke, claims the best defender's prize with aplomb. The versatile player's ability to slot into any position across the back line, whip the ball in with purpose, add solidity to the defensive ranks and chip in with goals has won him 48% of the ballot.

He outclassed former Middlesbrough defender John Johnson, the ever-so-reliable Sandesh Jhingan and Lucian Goian. The latter came second with 21% of the votes, while Jhingan and Johnson only mustered 19% and 12% respectively.

His capability to perform at right back, left back or as a center-half allows Carles Cuadrat to try various permutations and combinations and rest some of the other defenders. Arguably the Blues' only weakness is the lack of depth in their squad - something that is kept in check to a notable extent due to the presence of Bheke.

With two goals, one assist, 27 tackles, 13 interceptions and 62 clearances, the 28-year-old is leading the side's title challenge with conviction.