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The league stage of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) came to an end with FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos earning the right to battle it out for the ultimate crown by qualifying for the semi-finals of the ISL. These four teams were the best four units in the ISL, but there were other individual performances which made a mark in this season’s Indian Super League.With the league season behind us, we take a look back at those who impressed us with their performances this season in our Team of the Group Stages of the ISL Season Two. The team takes shape in a 4-4-2 formation and we also have seven substitutes.
#1 Goalkeeper
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Rehenesh TP (NorthEast United)
The young Indian goalkeeper has once again had a fantastic season in goal for NorthEast United and has justified the claim of him being one of the brightest talents in the country. Rehenesh was once again in top form and put in some heroic performances as the Highlanders scored a double over defending Champions Atletico de Kolkata, without conceding a goal in reply.
The man from Kerala helped a young team tremendously with his solid performances in goal and gave his defence a great deal of confidence with his shot-stopping and command. With 47 saves and 4 cleansheets in the matches that he played during the group stages, Rehenesh proved exactly why he is rated so highly.
For his consistently stunning performances in goal, Rehenesh TP has earned a place in our Team of the League Stages of the ISL.
#2 Defence
Mehrajuddin Wadoo (Chennaiyin FC – Right-back)
The Kashmiri full-back has rediscovered his mojo this season and has shown that he is one of the better Indian defenders playing in the league. Wadoo has been a mainstay in the Chennaiyin FC backline which has often been chopped and changed by Marco Materazzi.
The right-back helped his team fightback from a relatively poor start to the season and was one of the keys as the team stormed back to take a place in the semi-finals. Helping Chennaiyin FC become the meanest defence in the league, Wadoo is our choice for the right-back position.
Anas Edathodika (Delhi Dynamos – Centre-back)
Anas Edathodika is the find of ISL season two. From driving an auto rickshaw to becoming the most trusted member of Roberto Carlos’ defence, Anas has come a long way.
The Pune FC defender has delivered top performance after top performance this season and has been an almost ever present in our Team of the Week selections. Carlos has named him among the five captains of the Delhi Dynamos, that is how good he has shown himself to be.
In addition to his performances, the fact that he is an important member of his team’s defence makes him an automatic member of our Team of the season so far.
Tiri (Atletico de Kolkata – Centre-back)
If there was an award for the signing of the season, Tiri would be among the contenders. A leader at the heart of the Atletico de Kolkata defence, the Spaniard has inspired Atletico’s revival this season and made the Antonio Habas led team’s defence the second meanest defence in the league.
He formed a great understanding with Arnab Mondal in the centre of defence and showed great leadership to guide the team’s defence through some tough matches. Though he didn’t start the initial few matches, his inclusion in the team coincided with the team lifting their levels and ultimately saw them finish 2nd in the table.
Nicky Shorey (FC Pune City – Left-back)
FC Pune City brought a lot to the table in this ISL season, despite finishing in a lowly seventh position. Former Reading left-back Nicky Shorey was definitely one of the players who caught the eye.
Shorey was almost the perfect full-back and was immense both offensively and defensively. Often the main threat from FC Pune City’s left flank, the Englishman racked up a number of assists this season. For his complete performance in a full-back position, Shorey is full value for the left-back spot.
#3 Midfield
Mandar Rao Dessai (FC Goa – Right Winger)
The FC Goa winger has well and truly come into his own this season after a quiet first season and has given FC Goa that added bite on the flanks that helped them take top spot in the ISL standings at the end of the group stage.
Mandar’s pace down the flanks and his eye for goal has made him a huge threat for oppositions to reckon with. His presence has helped FC Goa stretch defences and allowed midfield maestro Leo Moura to do the rest.
Considering he is predominantly left-footed, he can cut in off the right flank and offer his team an extra option.
Leo Moura (FC Goa – Central midfielder)
A strong contender for the player of the season, Leo Moura is arguably FC Goa’s best player this year. Moura has been at the centre of everything that FC Goa has created going forward.
Three of Goa’s strikers have scored hat-tricks this campaign and they have Leo Moura to thank for it. With eight assists during the league stage, the midfielder was integral to Goa’s good attacking play. The Brazilian has been a joy to watch in the ISL this season and serves as one of the greatest ambassadors for the league.
Florent Malouda (Delhi Dynamos – Central midfielder)
Malouda has showered his class onto the ISL and has brought all his experience into play for the Delhi Dynamos. All the Delhi attacks have gone through him this season and he has bossed the midfield in almost every game.
The former Chelsea man provided eight assists during the group stages and was the Dynamos’ most important player throughout the group phase.
For his exemplary presence in the middle of the park, he makes it into our Team of the League Stages.
Sunil Chhetri (Mumbai City FC – Left winger)
The highest Indian goalscorer had a brilliant first season, although it wasn’t enough to power his Mumbai City FC side into the semi-finals. His campaign was interrupted by call-ups to the national team, but he still ensured that he gave his all for the Mumbai side.
His 7 goals helped his team improve on their performances last season and made him one of Mumbai’s most important players.
He was played in different positions by his team which slightly affected his form in the middle of the season, but the Indian captain made a strong finish to the season and will most likely end the campaign as the highest Indian goalscorer in the ISL.
#4 Attack
John Stiven Mendoza (Chennaiyin FC)
After injury curtailed Mendoza’s season last time around, the Colombian came back strongly this season and is the highest goal scorer in the league stage of the ISL with eleven goals to his name. It is his exploits in front of goal that helped Chennaiyin make the semi-finals after being on the brink of elimination after ten games.
The team from Chennai’s title hopes are largely pinned on the performances of Mendoza and manager Marco Materazzi will be hoping there is still a lot left in the striker’s tank.
Iain Hume (Atletico de Kolkata)
Having made a poor start to the season, Iain Hume broke on the scene with a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Mumbai City FC, a result which sparked Atletico de Kolkata’s season.
Hume has been unstoppable since and has managed to score ten goals this season, apart from providing 4 assists. The Canadian helped make up for the loss of marquee player Helder Postiga, and guided his team through some tough times for the defending champions.
It will be interesting to see the race for the golden boot between Hume and Mendoza as they square off in the semi-finals of the ISL.
#5 Substitutes
Amrinder Singh (Atletico de Kolkata - Goalkeeper)
Amrinder Singh has had a wonderful season in goal for Atletico and has totally earned his coach’s faith with some superb performances between the sticks for the Champions, making him our number two behind Rehenesh.
Souvik Chakraborty (Delhi Dynamos – Right-back)
Souvik Chakraborty has been such an influential figure in the Delhi Dynamos defence that Roberto Carlos’ men have struggled without the Indian full-back. One of the most improved players in the ISL this season, Souvik was only beaten to the starting spot by the super consistent Wadoo.
Arnab Mondal (Atletico de Kolkata – Centre-back)
After a patchy start to the season, Arnab Mondal hit top form at the business end of the season as Atletico de Kolkata became the first team to book a semi-final spot. For performing when it mattered the most, Arnab has a place on the bench of our Team of the League Stages.
Jonatan Lucca (FC Goa – Central midfielder)
Lucca has helped FC Goa’s attacking players do their job effectively and has mopped up things very well in midfield. Notching up an odd goal in the process, the Brazilian makes our bench as part of the Team of the League Stages of the ISL.
Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC – Central midfielder)
The Cheanniyin FC midfielder has been one of the most consistent performers this season. The tough-tackling Brazilian has assumed a great role in Marco Materazzi’s set up and deserves a place in the Team of the season so far.
Though he has left the team now due to injury, he has been one of the most important players for Chennaiyin this season
Sameehg Doutie (Atletico de Kolkata – Winger)
The South African has been brilliant with his performances on the wing for Atletico de Kolkata. Doutie provided 6 assists and scored 3 goals during the league stages and was one of the players who helped turn around Atletico’s season.
His pace and thrust on the wings helped the Kolkata outfit turn into a fluent attacking side and his combination with Hume, Izumi and Gavilan was very good to watch.
Reinaldo (FC Goa – Striker)
The Brazilian striker overcame a poor start and an injury to find form at the perfect time for Zico’s men. Reinaldo also has had a hat-trick to his name and has been banging them in for fun recently.
