ISL 2016: The meanest tacklers this season

#4 Lucian Goian

Lucian Goian going through Alfaro (Picture Courtesy ISL)

If Mumbai City FC are second on the league table currently, it is due to their defensive stability this term. Having played all 11 games for the Alexandre Guimaraes, the Romanian defender has been nothing short of exemplary, launching powerful tackles every time the team needs. At 33, Goian is at one of the best ages for a defender. With loads of experience and understanding of strengths and strategies, Goian has been a leader for the Mumbai side.

The player has missed just 26 minutes of his team’s game time this season, proving the importance the coach has placed on him. Goian has committed 16 fouls in the league but has earned just a solitary yellow card, which shows how perfect his tackles and interceptions are.

The former FC Dinamo Bucaresti player has loads of Asian footballing experience, having played in the Chinese League. The defender has made 43 strong challenges on the pitch, causing minor injuries to a few players. His clean card deck shows his intentions are always entitled on winning the ball back for his team, which is a great sign for a defender.

Having terrorized oppositions strikers already with 43 tackles, Goian has also won 14 aerial duels and has made 17 interceptions in the process. If this powerful Romanian player keeps performing like he has been, Mumbai City FC should reach the knockout stages of the league with ease.