Rock solid: Players with the most tackles in ISL 2023-24
The ISL has produced talented players over the years who have demonstrated their ability to make strong and effective tackles.
The 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season has seen unprecedented levels of competition. The increased physicality in the league has resulted from teams fighting in every duel and at every point during the game.
Successfully intercepting the ball requires the ability to predict plays and maintain a focused gaze. As teams attempt to defend from the front, intercepting passes has become a crucial skill for all players, attackers and defenders alike.
A tackle isn't as easy as it looks, despite its often rough appearance. The key components of any tackle are game anticipation, decision-making, and reading the play. These three elements are necessary for any tackle to be successful. The ISL has produced talented players over the years who have demonstrated their ability to make strong and effective tackles.
With that, here are some players who recorded the most tackles in the season gone by.
Jay Gupta - 41 tackles in 25 games
The 22-year-old full-back and current Indian international, Jay Gupta, impressed for FC Goa in the recent season with remarkable defensive performances. In addition to his defensive responsibilities, he contributed to the attack, making significant goal contributions in the ISL thanks to his attacking capabilities. The defender, who made his ISL debut this season, not only provided defensive stability but also added solidity at the back. His pace and determination to keep attacking were very handy for FC Goa this season, creating ample chances for the team through his overlapping runs.
Ahmed Jahouh - 39 tackles in 22 games
The Moroccan mastermind excels in nearly every aspect of defensive midfield, but his tackling prowess is unmatched. He was one of the key reasons why Odisha FC made it to the semi-finals for the first time, emerging as the linchpin of the team. Regarded as one of the league’s best midfielders, Jahouh is a versatile player who is essential to the team's build-up play. Jahouh made 22 appearances in the ISL 2023-24 season, also contributing to the attack with two goals and two assists.
Subasish Bose - 37 tackles in 25 games
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant full-back and captain can read opponents in one-on-one situations, and not many players were able to dribble past him easily. His 37 tackles have been crucial to the Mariners' Shield victory. The 28-year-old has become a dependable defender for the Mariners, contributing to one of the stingiest defences in the league.
Pachuau Laldinpuia - 35 tackles in 21 games
Dinpuia was one of the shining sparks for Jamshedpur FC this season, consistently putting up strong performances. The 27-year-old full-back was rock solid at the back, fulfilling his defensive responsibilities while also playing a key role in their build-up plays. Though the club finished second from the bottom of the table, his efforts were praised by ISL pundits, his head coaches, and his teammates.
Amey Ranawade - 35 tackles in 24 games
Odisha FC full-back Ranawade was essential in the defensive line for the team and became one of their key players. The defender is always up for a challenge, has good positional awareness, and made a difference at both ends of the pitch. The 26-year-old also has a talent for moving the ball into the attacking third after winning it back, which has been crucial for his team this season. Ranawade supplied six assists, the highest among any defenders this season, in addition to scoring a goal. His contributions were vital in taking Odisha FC to the semi-finals.