Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 ended with Chennaiyin FC being crowned champions for the second time in league history. The most notable performers of the season were then duly rewarded for their achievements over the course of the campaign after Chennai’s final triumph over Bengaluru FC. Here, we have a look at the award winners from the season gone by and what put them a cut above the rest.

Golden Boot Award: Ferran Corominas (FC Goa)

The Spaniard was the league’s top-scorer with 18 goals, which is a record for most strikes in a single Hero ISL season. He made quick work of his opponents with his pace, trickery as well as poaching ability and was a clinical finisher, who became the first ever player to score consecutive hat-tricks in the league. Corominas’ partnership with Manuel Lanzarote was Goa’s primary attacking outlet as the Spaniards combined to devastating effect to floor opponents. The 35-year-old was also capable of picking a pass and registered as many as five assists.

Golden Glove Award: Subrata Paul (Jamshedpur FC)

Jamshedpur FC agonizingly missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals and were in contention till the last match day. They owe a large part of their success to Indian spider-man Subrata Paul. The 31-year-old kept seven clean sheets, had a minutes-per-goal-conceded ratio of 102.47 and made 44 saves en-route to winning the Golden Glove award. He was one of the main reasons behind Jamshedpur building their reputation of having one of the meanest defences. Paul’s sending off in his team’s last match against FC Goa cost them dearly as they went down 3 – 0 and missed out on the semi-finals.

Hero of the League: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru’s captain showed scintillating form throughout the campaign and led by example. Chhetri was one of only two Indian players to net a hat-trick this season, which came in a crucial semi-final second-leg encounter against FC Pune City. He remains the only Indian to have scored two hat-tricks in league history and notched up 14 goals in the entirety of the campaign, which is by far the most by any Indian ever. He will be disappointed having just fallen short of lifting the trophy even though he did find the back of the net to open the scoring in the final against Chennai.

Emerging Player of the League: Lalruatthara (Kerala Blasters FC)

The 23-year-old showed a lot of promise in defence and was effective while surging forward, while also being solid at the back. Quick and strong, Lalruatthara made numerous key tackles and interceptions in each game. He’s one for the future for both club and country and managed an impressive 85 tackles in Hero ISL 2017-18.

Fittest Player of the Season: Inigo Calderon (Chennaiyin FC)

A leader for Chennai at the back, the Spaniard was one of the most effective players overall in the league. He combined his strong defensive ability with his enterprising attacking play down the flanks. Although 36 years of age, Calderon was quick and tireless, making sure to track back without fail to win the ball. He put in a total of 50 tackles and scored three goals in the season, making him one of the most influential players in the Chennaiyin squad.

Winning Pass of the Season: Udanta Singh (Bengaluru FC)

The pacey winger played his part to a tee for Bengaluru with his quick runs and dribbling ability causing headaches for opposition backlines. Udanta supplied incisive passes for the forwards to feed on and showed excellent vision with the ball at his feet. His consistency with quality balls into the box from wide areas was evident for all to see in what can be considered a coming of age season for the talented youngster. Udanta provided an incredible seven assists in Hero ISL 2017-18, while also scoring once. His pass of the season award for his dinked cross from the right flank in the final, was another wonderful pass that Chhetri capitalised on to give the Blues a lead.