Chennaiyin FC vs Rest of ISL XI

Chennaiyin FC were crowned the Champions of Hero Indian Super League Season Two in the most dramatic fashions as two stoppage time goals helped them overturn a 2-1 deficit imposed on them by a 87th minute Joffre free-kick. John Stiven Mendoza was once again the hero for his side as his immense desire, followed by a moment of composure brought glory to the team from Chennai after what was a turbulent campaign to start off.However, FC Goa too gave it their all and were one of the most entertaining sides of ISL season two, a season that was full of ups and downs. We take a look back at the season’s best performers and knit them all together in one team to challenge the newly crowned Champions of the ISL – Chennaiyin FCBoth teams will shape up in a 4-4-2 formation.

#1 Goalkeepers

Apoula Edel Bete (Champions XI) vs Rehenesh TP (RoISL XI)

Arguably the two best goalkeepers in the Indian Super League Season Two will be between the sticks for the two sides. Edel Bete is a giant in goal and is usually in command of his box. A superb shot-stopper as well, Edel Bete prevented FC Goa from taking the lead in the Final after a reflex save from Haokip’s clever flick.

Rehenesh isn’t physically imposing as Edel Bete, but has immense reflexes in goal and has made the most number of saves in the ISL season. Rehenesh is India’s upcoming goalkeeper and is of the David De Gea mould in terms of the category of goalkeeper that he is.

#2 Defenders

Mehrajuddin Wadoo (Champions XI) vs Souvik Chakraborty (RoISL XI) – Right Back

Yet another duel between arguably the two best right backs in the ISL. Wadoo was one of the most consistent performers in this season’s ISL and just edged Souvik to the best right-back award this season.

However, Souvik has come of age under the guidance of Roberto Carlos and had formed an integral part of the Delhi Dynamos set-up. Probably, India’s past versus the future at the right-back position.

Mailson (Champions XI) vs Anas Edathodika (RoISL XI) – Centre-back

Mailson grew into his role with Chennaiyin this season and his progress pretty much corresponds with Chennai’s rise in the competition. An astute reader of the game and a great header of the ball, the Brazilian proved to be the most complete defender in the ISL.

Though Anas Edathodika is still maturing into the finished product, he has all the credentials to become a top-class defender. He is strong in the tackle, is able to match the striker for pace and is brave, and thrived under Roberto Carlos.

Bernard Mendy (Champions XI) vs Tiri (RoISL XI) – Centre-back

Both leaders and marshals of their respective defenses, Mendy and Tiri have led their defences to being the two best defenses in the Hero Indian Super League this season. The Cheanniyin skipper Bernard Mendy is a big character and a defender who plays his heart out. He often has the odd mistake here and there, but more than makes up for it with his sheer desire.

Tiri on the other hand is lot more measured than Mendy, but an equally important figure to have in the team. Tiri’s technical ability is also top notch, making him one of the best center backs in the league.

Dhanachandra Singh (Champions XI) vs Nicky Shorey (RoISL XI) – Left Back

Dhanachandra Singh and Nicky Shorey are fairly similar in terms of their mentality on the pitch. Both are pretty solid defenders and like to bomb forward in attack. The duo is versatile as well and can play in multiple positions.

Nicky Shorey though, is a much more refined player and has shown immense consistency throughout the season. Consistency is what Dhanachandra Singh has been lacking in his game and that saw him being dropped from the side in the early parts of the season.

#3 Midfielders

Thoi Singh (Champions XI) vs Romeo Fernandes (RoISL XI) – Right-winger

Thoi Singh and Romeo Fernandes are two Indian players who have been a permanent name in their respective teams’ line-ups. However, the two players are a lot different from each other.

Thoi Singh is much more industrious than Romeo Fernandes, who in return has greater creative acumen than Singh. Thoi is someone who is bound to give you a 7 out of 10 performance week in week out, while Romeo’s performances can fluctuate between a low 5 to a high 9 out of 10 on a day.

Manuele Blasi (Champions XI) vs Florent Malouda (RoISL XI) – Central midfielder

Manuele Blasi is such an important member of the Chennaiyin side. He is the chief destroyer and brilliantly slotted in Raphael Augusto’s absence in that role. Blasi was amazing in the semi-finals and the finals as Chennaiyin emerged Champions.

Florent Malouda, naturally a wide attacking player, was used by Roberto Carlos in central midfield in varying roles. Often played as a deep lying playmaker, Malouda has been very effective in that role, notching up eight assists in the ISL season.

The two players are very different in styles, but have the same degree of impact on their respective teams.

Harmanjot Singh Khabra (Champions XI) vs Joffre (RoISL XI) – Central midfielder

Harmanjot Khabra and Joffre were both a major part of their team’s engine room. Khabra was full of running and added great energy and solidity to the Chennaiyin FC set-up.

On the other hand, Joffre is a greater attacking threat and carried FC Goa in games in the latter stages of the tournament. He was almost the match-winner for Goa in the final, had it not been for the late comeback from Chennaiyin FC.

Bruno Pelissari (Champions XI) vs Sony Norde (RoISL XI) – Left-winger

Bruno Pelissari was excellent for Chennaiyin FC and kept last season’s top goalscorer and club captain Elano out of the starting eleven. Pelissari possessed a huge goal threat and gave teams problems as he made runs inside from the left-hand side. The Brazilian’s energy too was a key factor in his sustained run in the team.

Sony Norde was the most devastating left-winger on display in season two of the Indian Super League. He was at the heart of everything good that Mumbai City did this season and was unplayable in Mumbai’s 3-2 win over Atletico de Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium, their lone away win in ISL history.

#4 Strikers

Jeje Lalpekhlua (Champions XI) vs Sunil Chhetri (RoISL XI) – Striker

The top two Indian goalscorers in ISL season two, Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua have kept the Indian flag flying high in terms of goalscoring. Jeje’s instincts in front of goal were vital for Chennaiyin as his goals late in the group stages helped them make it to the semi-finals of the ISL.

Mumbai City FC’s Sunil Chhetri’s goals failed to have the same effect, but he proved to be an Indian face of the ISL. His overall play apart from his seven goals was quite outstanding and he created many chances for his teammates as well.

John Stiven Mendoza (Champions XI) vs Iain Hume (RoISL XI) – Striker

Mendoza versus Hume was always the biggest sub-plot in the second coming of the Hero ISL. From fighting for the golden boot to fighting for the Best Player award and the bigger battle in the semi-finals, the duo was always at it this season.

Mendoza and Hume single-handedly carried their teams for parts of the season. Hume can play in several different positions, but his eye for goals made him a deadly prospect upfront. Mendoza on the other hand, is a complete striker. The Colombian could easily be called the ‘Sergio Aguero’ of the Indian Super League.

#5 Prediction

Though both teams look quite evenly-matched, the Rest of the ISL look a solid outfit both going forward and while defending, with just a little bit of extra flair, something that could help push them to victory against the Chennaiyin team.

The one advantage that the Chennai outfit have is that they will have better coordination and understaing between their players, something that could help them win, considering they go up against a team full of players who would not have played with each other.

However, that extra flair in the Rest of the ISL team should serve them well and is what will push them over the line.

Chennaiyin FC 2-3 Rest of the ISL