Dribbling is a difficult art to master. This requires not only swift feet and pace but also intelligence, impeccable control of the ball and physical strength to leave opposition defenders clueless. A great dribbler is a huge asset to a team. The recently concluded Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 saw many players who displayed this special ability on the pitch to the bafflement of their rivals time and time again. Here, we look at some of the best dribblers from the season gone by.

Bright Enobakhare

A January addition to the SC East Bengal squad, Bright Enobakhare tops this list despite playing just 12 matches for the Red and Gold Brigade. The Nigerian forward completed 51 take-ons, and two of his three goals came through them. One of Bright’s best goals this season was against FC Goa, when the 23-year-old forward beat four defenders to open the scoring for his team in Match 49. The other was a similar run that gave his side the lead against Hyderabad FC in Match 91.

Jorge Ortiz

FC Goa’s Spanish midfielder Jorge Ortiz was one of their best players this season, and proved himself in whichever position he was deployed by head coach Juan Ferrando. He managed 46 take-ons for his team in 21 matches for the Gaurs. Ortiz finished the season with six goals and one assist to his name and played a huge role in FC Goa’s run to the semis where they lost to eventual champions Mumbai City FC. 

Hugo Boumous

Hugo Boumous was unable to replicate his form from last season, having played just 16 matches for the Islanders due to injury and suspension issues. The creative midfielder though completed 32 take-ons and his prowess was on display when he scored a brilliant goal against the Gaurs to open the scoring for his team in a 3-3 draw in Match 87. Boumous scored three goals and assisted seven this season.

https:/www.indiansuperleague.com/videos/match-87-mcfc-vs-fcg-goals

Lallianzuala Chhangte

The 23-year-old winger was a shadow of his former self this season but still managed to be one of Chennaiyin FC’s best players, with 30 take-ons for his team. The Marina Machans endured a barren spell for the large part of the season. Chhangte completed his campaign with four goals and one assist to his name.

Alberto Noguera

Alberto Noguera was the main creative spark for the Gaurs and his efforts all through the season won him the DHL-Winning Pass-of-the-League award. The 31-year-old midfielder used his quick feet to good effect and was a constant threat to the opposition going forward, managing 25 take-ons for Juan Ferrando’s men in the process. The Spaniard did well to create open spaces for his teammates in the final third and finished the season with eight assists and one goal.

Asish Rai

22-year-old Asish Rai was among the first names in the Hyderabad FC team sheet this season before suffering injury towards the end of the league stage. The young fullback completed 24 take-ons in 18 matches for Manuel Marquez’s team. Rai provided two assists for Hyderabad FC, and recovered the ball a massive 121 times as well.