ISL 2017: Top 5 defenders from Week 3

The 3rd week of ISL 2017 has been a rollercoastar kind of a week, which has witnessed some unexpected results. Despite having 6 less goals (15 goals) than Week 2, it has witnessed highest aggregate of this season in a 7-goal thriller between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa. Most surprising part of this week has been the defending champions, Atletico de Kolkata getting dropped to the bottom of the points table.

Let’s see who made their mark in our top 5 defenders from Week 3.

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#5 Mailson Alves (Chennaiyin FC)

Considering the opponents, the 29-year-old center-back Mailson Alves was undoubtedly the best performer for the Chennaiyin FC. The Brazilian center-back was up against FC Pune City, who are unarguably one of the most threatening attacking forces of ISL 2017. Despite the presence of star strikers like Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro, the Stallions managed to take just one attempt on target in the entire game.

Mailson made a total of 10 clearances in the entire game, which is the highest by any defender from that match. He also made 2 interceptions and most importantly, he didn’t receive any card in the game unlike his teammates Sereno and Calderon. His brilliant defensive performance helped the Super Machans keep their second consecutive clean-sheet this season.

#4 Andre Bikey (Jamshedpur FC)

Andre Bikey didn’t let the Jamshedpur FC feel the absence of their start defender, Anas Edathodika

The injury to Indian international Anas Edathodika came in as a chance for the Cameroonian international to make his first start in ISL 2017. With his brilliant performance, Andre Bikey didn’t let them feel the absence of their start defender, Anas.

The 32-year-old center-back made 8 clearances and 2 interceptions to help his side keep a clean-sheet in their opening home fixture. During his full 90-minute stint, Bikey also did brilliant tackles. It was the third consecutive clean-sheet for Jamshedpur FC and now they are the only side to have not conceded a single goal in ISL 2017.

#3 Prabir Das (Atletico de Kolkata)

Prabir Das helped the ATK win the title in ISL 2016

The Bengali boy, Prabir Das has been a regular feature in ATK’s backline since his arrival to his home club last season. He helped them win the title in ISL 2016 and is trying to play a similar role this time around. The Indian right-back has been one of the main reasons that Jamshedpur failed to open their account in their third game of ISL 2017.

Das was rightly awarded the 'Fittest Player' of the game for his brilliant performance on-field. Overall, he has made 8 clearances, 1 interception and a block to help his side keep their second clean-sheet of this season away from home.

#2 Lucian Goian (Mumbai City FC)

Lucian Goian has been an unbreakable wall of the Mumbai defence

The 34-year-old center-back Lucian Goian has been an unbreakable wall of the Mumbai defence since last season. He has continued to contribute in similar fashion this time around as well. Once Mumbai got the early lead in the 15th minute, he did well to keep quiet the likes of Marcelinho and Alfaro for most part of the match.

It was a penalty conceded by Raju Gaikwad, which gave Pune a chance to score the equalizer. However, he performed really well and did 7 clearances and 1 block, which rightfully earned him the award of 'Fittest Player' of the game. In their second game this week, he made 8 clearances against the mighty attack of the Kerala Blasters

#1 Henrique Sereno (Chennaiyin FC)

Sereno contributed in both attack and defence

Former ATK center-back contributed in both attack and defence in this game week. The Chennaiyin skipper led his side from the front and scored a winner from point blank range to help his side win their first away fixture.

He has been one of the key defenders for Chennaiyin FC since the last two games and he showed his best against the best attacking force of ISL 2017 by helping his side keep a second consecutive clean-sheet of this season.