Atlético de Kolkata take on NorthEast United FC during their 2016 Hero Indian Super League encounter at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata to kick-start Round 11 of ISL Fantasy 2016. With only seven rounds left to play, the room for error both in defence and ISL Fantasy is minimal. With that in mind, here we take a look at some of the top performers in defence in ISL Fantasy 2016.

Cedric Hengbart (Kerala Blasters FC)

Kerala Blasters FC made a slow start to the league, but they gradually got a grip and are currently in the top half of the table. A major factor behind their rise towards the summit of the league has been Cedric Hengbart, who is the highest scoring defender in ISL Fantasy with 55 points. The reliable centre-back has been rock solid and has brought a calming influence in the Blasters’ backline. He has also made his presence felt in attack having scored the fastest goal of the season against FC Pune City. Capable of donning the role of provider, Hengbart also has one assist to his name this year. The 36-year-old has helped Blasters to three clean sheets and has two Hero-of-the-Match awards under his belt, making him a solid addition to any fantasy team at Rs 6.4 crore.

Lucian Goian (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City FC have one of the best defensive records this season and Lucian Goian has been a leader at the heart of defence for Alexandre Guimaraes’ men. He has been a pillar at the back, winning tackles cleanly and not allowing opposition forwards an inch of space in the penalty area. His assured presence at the back has helped Mumbai to four clean sheets this year. The 33-year-old has notched up 51 ISL Fantasy points and won two Hero-of-the-Match awards along the way. No defender has recovered more balls (46) than the Romanian this season, making him a steal for any fantasy team for just Rs 6.1 crore.

Jerry Lalrinzuala (Chennaiyin FC)

Even though Chennaiyin FC do not have the best defensive record in the league, Jerry Lalrinzuala has impressed one and all with eye-catching performances. A clean-tackling defender, Jerry has thwarted many an attack on the left flank. At 18, he is one of the youngest players in the league and has already picked up three Emerging-Player-of-the-Match awards with the Super Machans. A natural talent, he reads the game well and is very rarely outfoxed on Chennai’s left flank by an opposition attacker. He has helped the Super Machans to four clean sheets, recovered 27 balls and accumulated 47 ISL Fantasy points so far, making him a smart acquisition to your fantasy team at Rs 5.6 crore.

Souvik Chakraborty (Delhi Dynamos FC)

Souvik Chakraborty is one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the league. Equally comfortable in central midfield and full-back positions, Chakraborty has been a mainstay for Delhi Dynamos FC this year. Instrumental in breaking down attacks and putting forward crucial balls for his teammates to run onto, he has also been excellent in helping recover possession as his 40 recovered balls this season go to show. The 24-year-old has also helped the Lions to three clean sheets and won an Emerging-Player-of-the-Match award. He has 40 ISL Fantasy points so far this year and is available for Rs 6.5 crore.