With another memorable Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) season gone by, the excitement of the recently-concluded 2019-20 campaign is yet to subside. With that in mind, the Hero ISL made provisions for the fans to pick their favourite XI from the sixth edition of the Hero ISL. Fans came out in numbers to make their dream Hero ISL 2019-20 XIs on the indiansuperleague.com website and shared them on social media.

After a six-day-long voting window, the eleven stars, in accordance to their positions, who were picked the most made it into the Fans’ Team of the Season for Hero ISL 2019-20. Here’s the final team:

Goalkeeper:

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Having won his second consecutive Golden Glove award this season, the Bengaluru shot stopper bagged 11 clean sheets in 19 games, conceding a miserly 14 goals – both Hero ISL records. His assured presence between the sticks and 49 masterful saves ensured Bengaluru had the best defensive stats in the division this season.

Defenders:

Prabir Das (ATK FC)

After missing the previous season due to injury, Das slotted in seamlessly in Antonio Habas’ ATK side, playing a crucial role in the team’s third Hero ISL title win. The right-back, who flourished in his role as a wing-back, accounted for five assists, while making 85 clearances as well as 24 blocks. His all-round performances and relentless workrate down the right flank was key to ATK’s success this season.

Mourtada Fall (FC Goa)

The Senegalese defender was key in FC Goa’s run in the Hero ISL 2019-20 season as the Gaurs clinched the League Winners Shield and secured a spot in the AFC Champions League group stages. He was the top-scoring defender in the league, scoring five goals and laying out three assists to help Goa finish top of the league table. The sturdy defender also made 191 clearances, while accounting for 67 tackles and 22 blocks. He also had a stunning passing accuracy of 87.32% - one of the best in the division.

Lucian Goian (Chennaiyin FC)

Having made the summer move from Mumbai City FC to Chennaiyin FC, the veteran defender led his team to the Hero ISL final, while scoring two crucial goals on the way. His 228 clearances were critical to his team’s defensive performance, while his resilient defending and leadership qualities made him an instant fan favourite. 

Jessel Carneiro (Kerala Blasters FC)

In an injury-riddled season for Kerala Blasters, Jessel Carneiro, playing his debut Hero ISL season, was one of the standout players for the Kochi-based club. The 29-year-old defender featured in all the games for the Kochi-based outfit, registering five assists and had a passing accuracy of 72.65%. He also made 78 clearances and 22 blocks to help out his side defensively.

Midfielders:

Hugo Boumous (FC Goa)

FC Goa’s run to the Hero ISL 2019-20 semi-finals was largely powered by Hugo Boumous’ fine form this campaign. The attacking midfielder was crowned the Hero of the League due to his stellar performances which saw him bag 11 goals. With 10 assists to his name this season, the 24-year-old also received the coveted DHL Winning Pass of the League award. Boumous also became the first player in Hero ISL history to register double digit goals and assists tallies in a single season.

Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)

The young midfielder had another prolific season for Chennaiyin, playing an important role in the Marina Machans’ run to the final. He scored one goal - a screamer against Goa in the semi-final first leg - while assisting six others. He had a passing accuracy of 74.57%, averaging 49.55 passes per game and was the anchor in Chennaiyin’s midfield. On the defensive side, he made 54 interceptions – the most by a player - while accounting for 31 blocks.     

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

While Thapa played the anchor role in the Chennaiyin midfield, Rafael Crivellaro was the one spearheading the offensive aspects from the middle of the park. The ace playmaker scored seven goals and laid out eight assists, as was key in the rejuvenation of the Chennaiyin side post Owen Coyle’s arrival.

Forwards:

Roy Krishna (ATK FC)

Roy Krishna was a revelation for champions ATK this season, scoring 15 times and assisting six goals. The Fijian’s pace, dribbling and ability to take up intelligent positions inside the opposition box perfectly complemented Antonio Lopez Habas’ counter attacking style. Krishna was also a natural leader on the field for the champions, often turning the tide in games with moments of individual brilliance.

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Kerala Blasters FC)

Ogbeche continued his fine form in the Hero ISL, after swapping NorthEast United FC for Kerala Blasters. He scored 15 goals, the same number managed by Krishna and Valskis, while playing lesser matches than both. The Blasters’ skipper was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal season for Kerala, instantly cementing his place as a fan-favourite among the fans.

Nerijus Valskis (Chennaiyin FC)

The Lithuanian made a slow start to his life in the Hero ISL but once he hit his form, there was no looking back. The Chennaiyin striker bagged the coveted Golden Boot award in an intriguing race against Krishna which went right down to the wire. Despite their loss in the Hero ISL final, the Lithuanian striker bagged 15 goals and six assists, and also scored Chennaiyin’s solitary goal in the Hero ISL final.