Hero Indian Super League 2015 was packed with masterclass performances all around the pitch. Goalkeepers made finger-tip saves; defenders had many goal-mouth clearances to their names; strikers were at their clinical best in front of goal and the playmakers in midfield made their presence felt in the final third with defence splitting passes that carved open opposition defences. Here we take a look at the best midfielders from last season who terrorised opponent defences with their creativity and guile on the ball.Florent MaloudaThe talismanic French midfielder was a driving force behind Delhi Dynamos FC’s surge to a maiden semi-final berth. Malouda’s big-match experience was evident for all to see at crucial junctures of Delhi’s season as he provided match-winning or defeat-evading last-minute assists for the likes of Richard Gadze and Gustavo dos Santos. He shared the distinction for most assists in a single season (8) and also completed more passes (777) than any other player in the Lions outfit. His lethal left-foot also accounted for the most crosses attempted (58) from his team.Leo MouraOne of the standout performers from last season, Leo Moura found himself at the centre of everything good for FC Goa. The veteran Brazilian had more influence at the centre of the park than any other midfielder in the league. His ability to dictate play from deep inside his half as well as his vision with the ball at his feet made him the Gaurs’ go-to-man during the business end of the season. Moura shared the distinction of most assists last season with Florent Malouda and also managed to find the back of the net twice. He also shared the feat for most assists in a match (3) with FC Pune City’s Nicky Shorey. His ability to keep ticking things over in midfield meant that he ended the season with most successful passes in the league (825).Sameehg DoutieAn absolute revelation for Season 1 champions Atlético de Kolkata, Sameehg Doutie ended his debut season in the Hero ISL with three goals and six assists – the most assists by any player from Atlético de Kolkata. It is no coincidence that ATK’s upturn in fortune saw the South-African winger put in some of his best displays as Antonio Habas’ men started gaining momentum en-route to their second consecutive showing in the semi-finals. In fact, it was his inch-perfect cross that fell at Arata Izumi’s feet when the former India midfielder scored his second of the night in a 3-2 win away against Kerala Blasters FC, which set the wheels in motion for ATK’s best run of matches last season. His electrifying pace coupled with his ability to seamlessly float past full-backs saw him whip in deadly balls from the byline, a few of which ATK’s top-scorer Iain Hume was the grateful recipient of.Raphael AugustoIn a Chennaiyin FC midfield boasting the likes of Elano, Bruno Pelissari, Harmanjot Singh Khabra and Thoi Singh, Raphael Augusto undoubtedly stood out. None exerted more influence on the way the Southern-outfit played than the Brazilian. It is also a testament to Chennaiyin FC’s bench strength that they won the final without Augusto in their ranks following an injury. The supremely gifted 25-year-old midfielder dictated the tempo of the game amongst his more offense-minded team-mates like Stiven Mendoza, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Fikru Teferra. A box-to-box midfielder in every way possible, Augusto finished the season with 22 interceptions, 22 clearances, 20 blocks and 66 tackles under his belt. He offered fluidity in midfield and effortlessly linked-play from Chennaiyin FC’s midfield engine-room by completing more passes than any other individual from his side (588). Not shy to join along in attack either, Augusto scored once in his debut Hero ISL season.
