After months of intense action and riveting matches, the 2017-18 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) culminated with Chennaiyin FC lifting their second title in three years. With a record number of goals being scored and the importance of having solid defenders becoming integral to the formation of new squads, the influence of midfielders in the smooth transition and combination of the two departments was crucial this season. We take a look at the top midfielders who had a direct say in their team’s performance this year.

Thiago Santos - Mumbai City FC

The 22-years Brazilian absolutely dominated the Mumbai City midfield this time around. He featured in 13 matches for the Islanders in his debut Hero ISL season and finished with five goals and an assist to his name. With 738 minutes of game time under his belt, his 303 passes and 343 touches bear testimony to his importance in the squad. Not only did he keep the opponent defenders on their toes with his speed and incisive through balls, but continuously thronged the box to score for the Islanders, whenever an opportunity arose.

Raphael Augusto - Chennaiyin FC

Playing in his third stint for the reigning Hero ISL champions, Augusto’s presence in the middle of the park has been one of the many reasons for the club picking up their two titles. Not only was the Brazilian a sturdy figure, his ability to make continuous runs back and forth throws light on his high fitness levels. He has scored three goals and assisted once this season while featuring in 18 matches for the Marina Machans. But his 896 passes and 1054 touches coupled with 63 tackles and 23 blocks brilliantly summarised how crucial he was for Chennaiyin.

Rene Mihelic - Chennaiyin FC

Another Chennaiyin player plying his trade for the first time in India, Mihelic’s contribution to the side’s victory was paramount this season. The Slovenian at no point looked like he was playing on a foreign soil as he gelled up well with the team to initiate attack after attack while tracing back equally fast to aid the defence. He finished the season with two goals and four assists, which is a testament to his influence. However, the most evident aspect of his game is the fact that in the 14 matches he played, he actuated an amazing 473 passes and 535 touches over 703 minutes.

Matias Mirabaje - Delhi Dynamos FC

Though Delhi Dynamos had a disappointing campaign this season, their late revival in the final stages of the league phase can be attributed to some individual players. One of the stars who led the fight for Dynamos this time was Mirabaje. Playing for the first time in India, the Uruguayan finished the season with three goals and an assist to his name. Injuries and suspension kept him out for some time, but in the 12 matches he played, Mirabaje dominated the midfield with his blistering pace. His 630 passes and 724 touches coupled with 21 tackles and 12 blocks is a great example of his overall authority.

Achille Emana - Mumbai City FC

A goliath-like figure in the Islanders midfield, Emana held his own in front of the opponents. At the age of 35, he played in every game with a remarkable 1521 minutes under his belt, which throws light on the level of fitness he demands from himself. The Cameroonian had his hand in seven goals this season (three goals and four assists), while his 42 tackles, 19 interceptions and 10 blocks testifying what a crucial role he played in the Islanders setup. A man whose physicality worried every opponent and who rarely kept his emotions to himself, Mumbai would like to retain him for the next season as well.