Tackling is referred as the most important facet of football and making a good tackle is even more critical. The cardinal purpose of a tackle is to dispossess the opponent of the ball and disrupt the rival team’s play or ideally win back possession for your side. But as serviceable as a tackle maybe, an error of judgment can transform a tackle into a foul.

While a good tackle can prevent dangerous situations from developing and even a goal from being scored, a poor tackle can lead to the referee blowing for a foul and a free-kick being awarded which could be potentially threatening to the defending side or even a penalty awarded if the foul takes place inside the box.

A solid tackle by the backline is the cornerstone for any title-winning team and this proved to be true as the two sides with the best tackles qualified for the final of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22. The season has seen plenty of tackles being thrown about, some good, some bad. 

Here is the line-up of the best tackling teams of the Hero ISL:

1. Kerala Blasters FC (843 tackles)

Kerala Blasters FC has put in the highest number of tackles in the tournament. The Tuskers tops the list with 843 tackles in their 23 appearances and has been one of the most proactive teams when it comes to winning the ball back. Their tackles may not have all be clean, but then again, no one holds a 100% record for clean tackles.

Adrain Luna was the best of the lot for the Tuskers, having made 95 tackles in 22 appearances besides also scoring six goals.

2. Hyderabad FC (746 tackles)

The Manuel Marquez team had a significant impact in the midfield. They made 746 tackles in his 23 outings. 

Akash Mishra was the stand-out player for Hyderabad FC. He has been extremely lively in the middle of the park, not only winning the ball back but even carrying it forward. He made 89 tackles in 21 appearances and also scored two goals in the same.

Also Read: Passing Behemoths: Top 5 teams with the most passes in Hero ISL 2021-22

3. Jamshedpur FC (732 tackles)

The Men of Steel has been spectacular in the midfield. Distribution and holding the ball are strong suits for Jamshedpur FC, they made 732 tackles in 22 matches.

Alexandre Lima, the 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder stood out among the others players. He made 89 tackles in his 22 games. Lima has even scored a stunning goal and has four assists to his credit, throwing light on his excellent technical abilities.

4. ATK Mohun Bagan (694 tackles)

The Mariners played in 22 games and registered 694 tackles. Some of them have been vital last-ditch tackles, both inside and outside their box.

Their defender Subhaasish Bose had the second-best stats in tackling, as he made 95 tackles from 22 matches. Bose also scored once and was strong in the air both while defending and making use of set-pieces for ATK Mohun Bagan. 

5. SC East Bengal (685 tackles)

The Red and Gold brigade stands on the fifth spot in this list with 685 tackles from 20 games. Although they were unable to make it to the semi-finals, their players had a towering presence in the backline which helped them while tackling.

Naorem Singh despite being a forward was leading the tackling chart for the SC East Bengal. Among the best players for his team this season, the 23-year-old forward made 84 tackles in 18 appearances.