Indian Super League: Who are the five best defenders currently?
The ISL has helped introduce some great players into the Indian football circuit. While legends like Tim Cahill are playing in the ISL, many Indian talents are also getting the exposure that they never had earlier. While we have discussed the best foreign players in the league, here we talk about the best defenders who have played in the ISL this season.
Mumbai's left back, 25-year-old Subhasish Bose started his youth career with Pune FC. He has also played for clubs like Sporting Goa, Mohun Bagan, and then started with Mumbai City in 2018. Bose took some time to adjust under coach Jorge Costa, but since then has picked up his form. He has been an integral part of the squad, with great interceptions and clearances.
Albert Serran has extensive experience in La Liga and the Premier League, which surely is of great help to Bengaluru FC. The battle-hardened defender leads the Bengaluru defense with extreme poise. He can read the game brilliantly, and his positional awareness makes Serran one of the best defenders playing in India right now. His physicality is also a bonus factor.
Rahul Bheke is a versatile defender and plays as right back for Bengaluru FC. He has great interception and passing ability, and is a great distributor of the ball. Bheke's extensive experience in Indian football in clubs like East Bengal, Air India, Kerala Blasters, and Pune City. Bheke can also be deployed as a fullback and can be effective in attack.
Post his heroics in AFC Asian Cup, Sandesh Jhingan has become the talk of the town. Undoubtedly, he has the potential to become one of the best defenders India have ever produced. Jhingan was a part of the Bengaluru team, which defeated Mohun Bagan to win the 2016-17 Federation Cup. Though still a part of Kerala Blasters, he has been loaned out numerous times.
Despite joining ATK a few months back, Andre Bikey has grown into one of the most important players of the squad. Bikey has an 80% passing accuracy, and his physicality helps in blocking and going into crucial tackles. Along with John Johnson, Bikey has made the ATK defense one of the best in the league right now.
