The Indian Super League season 2017-’18 is over and Chennaiyin FC clinched their second ISL title. The Marina Machans repeated their success of the 2015 season, by the exact same scoreline, this time over league debutants Bengaluru FC.
The ISL witnessed several noteworthy performances this season, among them more local players, as the organising committee announced at the start of the season, that the maximum number of foreigners that would be allowed on the pitch is five.
We stuck to the same rules while picking the team of the season, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Subrata Paul – Jamshedpur FC
In a season where goalkeepers were less than effective and some were liabilities for their teams (hint, hint, FC Goa), it was the former India No 1 and Tata Football Academy graduate, Subrata Paul, who led the charts with seven clean sheets.
Awarded the Golden Gloves for his efforts this season, Paul registered the highest save percentage (74.57%) of any keeper. He did get sent off in his team’s last game against FC Goa, but Paul let in only 15 goals, the lowest of any keeper in the league.
Adil Khan – Pune City FC
Advance apologies to fans of Inigo Calderon, Shouvik Chakrabarti and Rahul Bheke, but a combination of the restrictions on team selection and Adil Khan’s performances this season rightfully see the Pune City man claim the right-back slot.
A central midfielder-turned-right back, Khan helped his team reach the semi-finals of the ISL for the first time in four years and scored four goals while doing it. He played 18 games all season, making 70 tackles and 57 clearances.
Mailson Alves – Chennaiyin FC
It was a toss-up between the 30-year-old Brazilian and his partner Henrique Sereno. In the end, Mailson won because of his contributions at both ends of the pitch. The Chennaiyin duo were solid at the back and Mailson played 19 of his side’s games.
His double in the final did the damage for the club as his towering presence in opposition boxes have troubles rivals all season long. The ex-Sao Jose defender made 163 clearances and 53 tackles, and remarkably conceded only eight fouls all season long. Lifted the title in 2015. Repeated the trick once again.
Tiri – Jamshedpur FC
Part of the reason that Paul has the highest save percentage is down to the comparatively low number of shots that the Jamshedpur custodian had to face during the league. Credit, a huge chunk of it, must go to Tiri.
A title winner with ATK the previous season, Tiri signed for Steve Coppell’s team and epitomised Jamshedpur’s back-to-the-wall spirit. The former Atletico Madrid B defender played every game of the season and led the league in interceptions (30).
Subhashish Bose – Bengaluru FC
Interestingly, one of the major factors for Bengaluru losing the final. His suspension-enforced absence meant that Albert Roca had to switch to a three-man defence, opting not to start a specialist left-back in Bose’s place.
The 22-year-old had a fine season with BFC, and only a yellow card in each leg of the semifinals kept him out of the big game. Bose wasn’t prolific going forward, but at the back, the 186-cm tall ex-Mohun Bagan man formed a formidable backline with John Johnson, Juanan Gonzalez and Bheke.
Dhanpal Ganesh – Chennaiyin FC
The Chennaiyin local lad formed a solid partnership in the middle of the park with Raphael Augusto and he helped to screen the defence well, also chipping in with a couple of important goals.
Struck the winner against Bengaluru FC in their 2-1 away win in the league stage, and scored the third against Goa to seal Chennaiyin’s semi-final victory. Averaged over 40 passes per game, among the highest by an Indian player in the league.
Ahmed Jahouh – FC Goa
The 29-year Moroccan was one of the best foreigners in the league this season, as he posted some outstanding stats. Sitting deep in Goa’s midfield, Jahouh led the league for passes, touches and tackles and ranked third for interceptions.
With the pair of Manuel Lanzarote and Coro wreaking havoc in front of him, Jahouh persevered without a regular partner as Pronay Halder struggled with fitness issues. Jahouh made 1,625 passes; the next highest, Edu Bedia, also of Goa, made 1,219.
Sunil Chhetri – Bengaluru FC
Indian national team and Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri gets in ahead of fellow attacker Miku. Chhetri once again displayed why he is in a different class as compared to other Indian attackers, scoring 14 goals, five more than the next highest Indian, Jeje Lalpekhlua.
He was the first Indian to score a hat-trick in the history of the league, and replicated the feat against Pune City, in the semifinals. He led from the front, playing every game for BFC and opening the scoring in the final.
Manuel Lanzarote – FC Goa
Lanza and Coro were part of Goa’s overwhelming 1-2 punch; if Coro didn’t get you, Lanza would. The 34-year-old playmaker had a brilliant campaign, scoring 13 goals to go with six assists.
The ex-Barcelona youth product was responsible for much of Goa’s build-up play in attack, as the Gaurs plundered 42 goals, the highest in the league stage.
Kumam Udanta Singh – Bengaluru FC
Udanta Singh, affectionately referred to as “The Flash” by the West Block Blues, had one of his better seasons in a BFC shirt. The Manipuri terrorised wingbacks on the right, stretching play and regularly getting in behind defenders.
The 21-year-old contributed seven assists, the joint-highest in the league alongside Marcelinho, the first time in ISL history that an Indian has finished top of the assists chart. He only had one goal to his name, but should he improve his end product, Udanta will become a true menace to play against.
Ferran Corominas – FC Goa
As “Coro...Coro” go the chants in Fatorda, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the Gaur marksman for a bullfighter. The former Espanyol forward scored the highest number of goals ever in a single ISL campaign, with 18 goals.
Adding five assists to his tally, he also became the first player to notch up back-to-back hat-tricks in the ISL. Coro proved to be a deadshot and an astute signing for Goa, as he made mincemeat of backlines throughout the league.
Coach of the season: John Gregory
Sergio Lobera and Albert Roca deserve credit for building formidable attacking outlets, but it is Chennaiyin coach John Gregory who made the most of the resources at his disposal.
Unlike Goa and BFC, Chennaiyin did not possess attacking riches but they were sharp at the back and took their chances at the back, apart from being a well-organised side. Out-thought Roca for both of Chennaiyin’s wins in Bengaluru.
Honourable mentions: Inigo Calderon, Rahul Bheke, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Kalu Uche, Erik Partaalu, Gregory Nelson, Anirudh Thapa, Henrique Sereno, Marcelinho
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!