Contributing at both ends of the pitch: Defenders with most goal contributions in the ISL
Since the inception of the league in 2014, there has been a noticeable increase in the trend of defenders getting actively involved in the attack and making significant goal contributions for their teams.
Football is a sport that is all about intensity, grit, and determination to win. Players give their best to score the highest number of goals in order to win matches. Every game feels exhilarating with varying paces and different styles of play.
In modern football, the role of defenders extends beyond mere defence, as they also play a significant part in their team's offensive strategies, particularly during set-pieces.
Centre-backs demonstrate their aerial prowess, impacting both defensive and offensive scenarios, while full-backs excel in utilizing the width of the pitch, launching attacks down the flanks. This tactical evolution creates an offensive overload, often resulting in goals.
Since the inception of the league in 2014, there has been a noticeable increase in the trend of defenders getting actively involved in the attack and making significant goal contributions for their teams.
With that being said, let's take a look at the top five defenders with the most goal contributions in the league.
Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC) - 24 Goal Contributions
A goal-scoring defender is a sight to behold! 🔥 🤩
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 9, 2023
Is #MourtadaFall already in your team or is he on your wishlist? 🤔
Make changes to your team here: https://t.co/0AhJFLjtWn#ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball #ISLFantasy | @JioCinema @Sports18 @OdishaFC pic.twitter.com/A4aQ05uPTS
The Senegalese defender has a total of 19 goals and five assists to his name in the ISL. He has played for three different teams in the ISL, namely FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and his current club, Odisha FC. He has been part of the ISL since the 2018-19 season.
Harmanjot Khabra (East Bengal FC) - 14 Goal Contributions
The East Bengal FC defender has two goals and 12 assists to his name in the ISL. He has played for four different clubs in the ISL throughout his career, namely Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and his current club, East Bengal FC. He has been involved in the ISL since the 2014 season.
Pritam Kotal (Kerala Blasters FC) - 13 Goal Contributions
The defender from Kerala Blasters FC boasts an impressive record with five goals and eight assists in the ISL. He has accumulated a wealth of experience while representing various clubs in the ISL. His journey in the league began in the 2014 season.
Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City FC) - 13 Goal Contributions
The Mumbai City FC defender has notched an impressive tally of seven goals and contributed six assists in the ISL. Over the course of his career, he has plied his trade with various clubs in the ISL, including Kerala Blasters FC and Bengaluru FC, before joining his current team, Mumbai City FC. His journey in the ISL started in the 2015 season.
Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC) - 11 Goal Contributions
The Bengaluru FC defender has one goal and 10 assists to his name in the ISL. He has only played for Bengaluru FC since the start of his senior career. He has been playing in the ISL since the 2019-20 season.
