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The second season of the Indian Super League is quickly moving to the end of the group stages, and we have seen some scintillating individual performances from different players. From great goals to defence-splitting passes to last-ditch tackles to unbelievable saves, we have seen it all.Central midfielders form a key part of any team and are the ones who look to stop opposition attacks and help their team initiate their own forays forward. We take a look at 5 of the toughest tackling midfielders in ISL season 2:
#5 Hans Mulder
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The Dutch midfielder has been a key part of Roberto Carlos’ Delhi Dynamos, who have performed brilliantly so far in the tournament.
Mulder has made 44 tackles in the 11 games he has featured in so far, but has committed 20 fouls in the process. The 28-year-old can be a bit rough when it comes to tackling and has been booked thrice so far. He is also known for not giving his opponent much room to express himself.
He spent his early days at Spanish side Real Zaragoza before moving to Dutch club RKC Waalwijk where he made a breakthrough to the senior team, making 125 appearances for them. He also played for Eredivisie sides Willem II and N.E.C before making a move to India, where he was signed by the Delhi Dynamos.
His performances earned him a contract with Danish side FC Nordsjælland after the completion of the Indian Super League last season.
#4 Thoi Singh
The 25-year-old is a big name in the Indian football scene currently after his impressive performances for Bengaluru FC and he has not disappointed us in the Indian Super League. Singh was bought by Chennaiyin FC for Rs 86 lakh during the Indian Super League auction, and he has justfied every penny spent on him.
The Manipur-born central midfielder has made 55 tackles in the 11 games he has featured so far in the tournament. His playing style is quite aggressive and full of running. Though he has been strong in the tackle, he has made the odd bad challenge too, committing 22 fouls so far and has two bookings to his name.
His best performances before this were for I-league giants Bengaluru FC, where he started making a name for himself. He has won the I-league twice, once with Bengaluru FC and once with Salgaocar. He also won the Federation Cup with Bengaluru FC in 2014-15.
#3 Borja Fernandez
Borja Fernandez, who is also the skipper of Atletico de Kolkata, has been impressive so far, having played every minute of every game this season. He has made a total of 57 tackles so far in the tournament and is great at reading the game, indicated by the 19 interceptions he has made.
Fernandez was a key part of the Atletico de Kolkata side that won the league last season, and earned a contract offer with La Liga side Eibar after the completion of the tournament. The former Real Madrid player returned to Kolkata to repeat his heroics for the Kolkata side.
In the absence of Luis Garcia, Borja was handed the captaincy and his impressive performances in midfield have shown why he deserved it more than anyone else.
A youth product of European giants Real Madrid, he made 23 appearances for Los Blancos before playing for several other La Liga sides in his career. He also played for Spain’s youth sides, but never made it to the senior team.
#2 Mehtab Hossain
The 34-year-old has been Kerala Blasters anchor-man in midfield, making an impressive 60 tackles, more than anyone else in the tournament, in the 10 games he has played so far. He has been one of the oustanding performers so far for the Blasters, who sit at the bottom of the table.
Hossain’s tough tackling can also be a problem some times as can be seen by the three yellow cards and one red card to his name. However, his aggressive nature is what drives the Kerala team’s play.
Mehtab started his career at Kolkata club Tollygunge Aragami before making a move to Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and later joined East Bengal. He has also represented India 29 times, scoring two goals. Hossain was an integral part of the Kerala Blasters side that reached the finals of the Indian Super League last season.
#1 Raphael Augusto
The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been one of the first names on Marco Materrazi’s teamsheet this season. Augusto has made 65 tackles and 22 interceptions for his side, making him a key member of the Chennaiyin FC squad.
Augusto is a powerful, box-to-box midfielder, who is very good on the ball and strong in the tackle. His forward bursts have been very useful for Chennai and he will have a very important role to play if they are to qualify for the semifinals.
A youth product of the Fluminense Football club in Brazil, Augusto has been sent on loan several times and had spells with MLS side DC United and Polish club Legia Warsaw before signing for Chennaiyin FC on loan this season. Augusto also won the Polish league in 2013-14 with LegiaWarsaw.
