Without a doubt, the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season was marked by a flurry of goals, showcasing teams' attacking prowess and quality with a total of 384 goals scored across 139 matches, averaging 2.76 goals per match.

However, many teams also shone brightly in the defensive side of the game too, evident from the fact that three clubs - Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Odisha FC - ended the season with a joint-high tally of nine clean sheets each.

The polling for the Fans’ ISL Team of the Season commenced on Saturday and will continue until June 5. Fans will have the opportunity to select eleven players across various categories to form a 3-4-3 formation, along with voting for a head coach.

The voting process will span four phases. Phase 1, running from May 25 to May 27, will focus on Goalkeeper and Defenders, followed by voting for Phase 2 and Phase 3 categories featuring Midfielders (May 28 - May 30) and Forwards (May 31 - June 2) respectively. Phase 4 will focus on head coaches (June 3 - June 5).

With Phase 1 of voting underway, fans can now vote for their preferred goalkeeper, left-back/left centre-back, centre-back, and right-back/right-centre back. 

With that, here are our nominees in defence for the Fans’ Team of the Season. 

Fans’ Goalkeeper of the Season:

Phurba Lachenpa

Phurba Lachenpa, awarded the Golden Glove, was pivotal to Mumbai City FC’s ISL Cup triumph, tallying nine clean sheets. Despite playing fewer games, his performance secured him the Golden Glove accolade.

Amrinder Singh

A cornerstone for Odisha FC, Amrinder Singh's presence was crucial in the team's historic ISL semi-final appearance. Leading with nine clean sheets and a league-high tally of 81 saves, he showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills.

Vishal Kaith

The custodian shone brightly as Mohun Bagan SG clinched the League Shield for the first time. Despite a modest 50 saves, his leadership fortified the team's defence, establishing them as one of the league's strongest.

Arshdeep Singh

Beginning as FC Goa’s first-choice goalkeeper, Arshdeep Singh delivered impressive performances, contributing to seven clean sheets. Despite conceding his spot to Dheeraj Singh later in the season, he was a crucial contributor to FC Goa's defensive stability as the finished the league stage as the team with the second least goals conceded. 

Prabhsukhan Gill

Emerging as a key player for East Bengal FC, Prabhsukhan Gill featured prominently for the team, aiding the team's near-playoff finish. With seven clean sheets and over 50 saves, he ranked among the top five goalkeepers for the season.

Fans’ Left-Back/Left Centre-Back of the Season:

Subhashis Bose

As Mohun Bagan SG's captain, Bose led by example, guiding the club to their inaugural League Shield. He featured in all 25 games, recording nine clean sheets, and excelled in passing, tackles, and interceptions. Additionally, he made the most successful passes for the club and successful tackles, with the second most interceptions (33), just one short of Hector Yuste’s tally.

Jay Gupta

In his debut ISL season, Gupta emerged as a standout full-back under coach Manolo Marquez. Featuring in all 25 games, he contributed defensively with nine clean sheets and offensively with two goals and three assists, making him a dynamic player for the Gaurs. 

Moreover, his tally of 30 chances created was the highest among defenders, and he made the highest number of tackles in the league with 41 tackles across 25 games.

Akash Mishra

A key signing for Mumbai City FC, Mishra proved his worth in defence, featuring in 20 games and securing four clean sheets. Despite missing some matches due to injury, he played a vital role in the team's journey to the ISL Cup final. Furthermore, he scored his first league goal for Mumbai City FC during the 4-0 win against Bengaluru FC.

Jerry Lalrinzuala

Lalrinzuala joined Odisha FC in the summer and quickly established himself as a key player under Lobera. Lalrinzuala featured in 23 games, registering seven clean sheets while providing valuable defensive support and also registered an assist.

Hijazi Maher

Joining as an injury replacement for Jordan Elsey, Maher became integral to his team's defensive setup, featuring in 17 games and securing six clean sheets. His notable defensive contributions include recording 58 headed clearances during the league phase, the second-highest such tally by any player behind Dimitrios Chatziisaias (59). 

Additionally, he made 22 blocks, the second most by any player in the league behind Ryan Edwards (28), and his tally of 13 headed shots was the joint most by any player in the competition.

Tiri

An impactful addition to Mumbai City FC, Tiri's experience and defensive prowess solidified the team's backline. 

The Spaniard featured in 23 games for the team while keeping five clean sheets besides contributing a goal. Tally of 29 interceptions was more than any other Mumbai City FC player. 

Pachuau Laldinpuia

A vital asset for Jamshedpur FC, Laldinpuia's consistent performances in defence kept the team in playoff contention. Featuring in 21 games, he secured five clean sheets, scored a goal, and led the team in interceptions and tackles. Additionally, he racked up the second most number of interceptions in the league and registered 35 tackles, more than any other teammate.

Fans’ Centre-Back of the Season:

Hector Yuste

New signing Yuste was a defensive linchpin for Mohun Bagan SG, showcasing leadership and experience. Despite missing all but one match, he kept nine clean sheets and contributed offensively with a goal and an assist.

Ryan Edwards

Chennaiyin FC's influential captain, Edwards formed a solid partnership with Lazar Cirkovic in defence and led the team to the playoffs despite defensive challenges. With 22 appearances, he scored two goals and led defensively with 28 blocks, the highest among any player.

Odei Onaindia

Onaindia, a defensive stalwart for FC Goa, excelled in interceptions and passing, proving to be crucial under coach Manolo Marquez's possession-based style. He made 30 interceptions, ranked second-highest among FC Goa players, and recorded the second highest number of successful passes in the FC Goa squad after McHugh.

Carlos Delgado

Consistent for Odisha FC, Delgado was key in defence, contributing eight clean sheets in 22 appearances. He also showcased his passing ability, recording the highest number of successful passes among defenders, and made the second most interceptions for the team.

Dimitrios Chatziisais

Despite Punjab FC's defensive challenges, Chatziisais provided stability and leadership at the back, securing five clean sheets in 20 appearances. He led the league in headed clearances with 59.

Michel Zabaco

NorthEast United FC captain Zabaco played a crucial role in defence, featuring in 20 games and contributing three clean sheets. Additionally, he scored a goal and provided an assist. His contributions were vital in keeping NorthEast United FC in playoff contention.

Fans’ Right-Back/Right Centre-Back of the Season: 

Amey Ranawade

The full-back played a significant role in Odisha FC’s historic semi-final qualification, leading with six assists, the highest among defenders. In 24 appearances, he maintained defensive solidity with eight clean sheets and marked a personal milestone by scoring his first-ever ISL goal in the 2023-24 season. 

Notably, he made 35 tackles, ranking fourth joint-highest in the league alongside PC Laldinpuia, and recorded 29 interceptions, second only to teammates Ahmed Jahouh and Carlos Delgado.

Rahul Bheke

As Mumbai City FC's captain, Bheke spearheaded the team's ISL Cup victory, registering the highest number of successful passes. 

Excelling as a defensive-minded full-back, he contributed to eight clean sheets in 23 appearances, showcasing his leadership and defensive prowess.

Seriton Fernandes

Underrated but pivotal, Fernandes played a key role in FC Goa's defensive stability, which saw them concede the fewest goals conceded in the league stage. With 24 appearances and eight clean sheets, his defensive contributions were immense, highlighted by the highest number of interceptions for FC Goa and joint-highest number of tackles (27) alongside Carl McHugh.

Mourtada Fall

After joining Odisha FC from Mumbai City FC, Fall continued his success, making 20 appearances and contributing six clean sheets while netting three goals, a feat unmatched by any other defender. His impact was significant despite missing some games, showcasing his value on the pitch.

Ankit Mukherjee

A notable addition to Chennaiyin FC, Mukherjee impressed as a full-back under head coach Owen Coyle, featuring in 20 games. While securing just one clean sheet, his attacking prowess was evident with two goals and an assist, making him a valuable asset.

Related tags:

Odisha FCMohun Bagan Super GiantJamshedpur FCEast Bengal FCFC GoaMumbai City FCNorthEast United FCChennaiyin FCPunjab FC