The ISL today has a significant fanbase, and some players take their place above the rest. This could be due to their legendary status, their ability to score goals and/or make their presence felt in midfield, imposing themselves as good defenders etc.
Some of these players spend a lot of time in the ISL, which earns them the recognition they deserve, while some sparkle and light up the league during a single campaign which forces many to take notice.
Either way, the following list discusses some of the top ISL players playing today.
Sunil Chhetri
Age: 37
Team: Bengaluru FC
Position: Forward
In terms of the best in the ISL, it becomes challenging to look past the captain of the Indian National Team as well as the captain of Bengaluru FC, Sunil Chhetri. It truly does not look like the 37-year-old has aged a day since his arrival to BFC. He has led BFC to their first-ever AFC Cup final and has also led them to I-league and ISL title wins.
In terms of numbers, Chettri averages a goal every two games and contributes with assists as well. One thing stats do not mention is his work rate and work ethic. The skipper demands his colleagues to be on top of their game and contribute to the cause.
Since his arrival, Chhetri has genuinely lit up the ISL, and it does not look like he will be stopping anytime soon.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Age: 29
Team: Bengaluru FC
Position: Goalkeeper
It is uncommon to mention goalkeepers as part of a list of the best players in a league. However, this particular player is a no-brainer and pretty much forces himself onto the list.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu joined BFC in 2017 after becoming the first-ever Indian player to play in the UEFA Europa League during his time in Norway with Stabæk.
Since then, Gurpreet has become irresistible in goal for The Blues. He has a total of 29 clean sheets in the ISL and has made 216 saves. He has the ability to go long and beyond the defence of the opposition, a ploy that The Blues have on many occasions utilised during counters.
Rahul Bheke
Age: 30
Team: Mumbai City FC
Position: Right-back / Centre-back
Bheke has made the move to Mumbai City FC this season and could arguably be considered one of the best defenders in the league. He provides the team flexibility due to his ability to play as a centre-back and a right-back. At times, BFC used Bheke as a left-back as well.
Not only does he provide solidity at the back, but Bheke also contributes going forward, chipping in with goals and assists. He also has a massive throw on him, a ploy that BFC used to exploit to the fullest.
One of Bheke’s finest moments would probably be his winner against FC Goa in the 2019 ISL final. Mumbai City FC must be delighted to employ the services of one of the finest defenders in the league.
Ahmed Jahouh
Age: 33
Team: Mumbai City FC
Position: Central Midfield
Another player who flies under the radar for all his excellent work is Ahmed Jahouh. The Morocco international is probably one of the most solid midfielders in the ISL.
Jahouh contributed with the most tackles by any player in the ISL last season, and his defensive contributions led to his team keeping the most number of clean sheets throughout the season.
Every now and then, Jahouh chips in with an assist or two as he likes to occasionally venture up the field. Although not a big goal scorer from midfield, it can be said that Jahouh more than completes his duties while on the pitch.
Pritam Kotal
Age: 28
Team: ATK Mohun Bagan
Position: Right Back
Now 28 years old, Pritam Kotal is always in the race with Rahul Bheke for a spot in the first team for Team India.
Being a local boy, Kotal is one of those who embrace their team’s culture, and has been a mainstay in the ATK Mohun Bagan team for several years now.
He, much like Bheke, is one who ventures forward and occasionally pops up with a couple of goals and assists. In total, the right-back has four goals and six assists so far in the ISL.
Discipline is vital for any defender, and Kotal understands its importance. He has never been sent off in the ISL and manages his bookings well during a game.
Edu Bedia
Age: 32
Team: FC Goa
Position: Central Midfield
Edu Bedia, a former Spain U21 international, has become an integral part of the FC Goa midfield since his arrival in 2017. During his time at the club, Bedia has overlooked a journey to the final of the ISL along with several other successful campaigns.
The midfielder loves to get on the ball and keep things ticking. He registered the most number of passes completed during the entirety of the previous season in the ISL. He loves to get forward as well. Unlike Jahouh, Bedia is a complete midfield package. He has a total of 9 goals to go with his 12 assists so far in the ISL.
Roy Krishna
Age: 34
Team: ATK Mohun Bagan
Position: Forward
In terms of quality and skill, it becomes hard to look past Roy Krishna. He has spent only two seasons in the ISL so far, but he has blown away those watching him with his goal-scoring ability.
Krishna has become a force to be reckoned with alongside David Williams, and the strike duo looks threatening as ever going into the new season.
In terms of goal contribution, few go past Krishna. He has already found the back of the net on 29 occasions, and to add to that tally, he also registered 14 assists. His incredible ability to contribute with goals and the sheer weight of his numbers easily make him one of the best in the ISL.
Jerry Lalrinzuala
Age: 23
Team: Chennaiyin FC
Position: Left-back
The youngest player to make this list is Jerry Lalrinzuala. He is only 23, but he already has enough experience to be considered one of the best left-backs in the league.
Jerry has already spent five seasons in the ISL and is one of those left-backs who love to venture forward and contribute in an attacking sense. He is more than capable of scoring goals and providing assists to the front men.
Some forget the fact that Jerry is still 23 because he has been around for a while. In the upcoming years, there is absolutely no doubt that he will emerge as the first-choice left-back for Team India and contribute massively at club level as well.
Bartholomew Ogbeche
Age: 37
Team: Hyderabad FC
Position: Forward
Now into his fourth ISL season, Ogbeche is moving into the list of serial goal-scorers in the league. Although the former Nigeria international has often faced the challenge of moving clubs, he has ensured to stay on top of his goal-scoring form wherever he arrives.
So far, Ogbeche has netted 35 times in the ISL. His time at NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City represents his ability to quickly adapt to his team’s methods and make himself a vital member of the group. He seems to be another one of those ageing players who do not seem to be getting any older.
Cleiton Silva
Age: 34
Team: Bengaluru FC
Position: Attacking Midfield
Cleiton Silva joined Bengaluru FC a season after their title-winning campaign in 2018-19. The Brazilian decided to make a move to India for a different challenge after spending most of his time in Thailand.
Although BFC had a poor season during their last outing, Cleiton Silva did not fail to impress. Whether playing in midfield or on the flanks, he contributed with seven goals and four assists during BFC’s turbulent season. He proved that he could threaten the goal with his head as well as his feet. His ability on the ball left several fans wanting more.
Playing alongside Sunil Chhetri, Silva will surely be a sinister force during the upcoming season.
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