Top 20 Best Defenders in ISL This Year

The Indian Super League (ISL) is showcased by dazzling attackers and powerful strikers. But defenders in ISL stand high at the back, the rock that keeps the goal safe.

The defenders in the ISL are the impassive objects in this whirlwind. But they snatch victory from defeat with a last-ditch tackle or a perfectly timed block.

These best defenders in the ISL are like master sculptors, transforming their backlines into impenetrable fortresses. They act as guardians, shot-stoppers, and leaders, marshaling the defense with unwavering focus. These defenders play smart and effectively trap attackers on the offside, making it easy to clear the threats.

No doubt, they are the silent heroes of ISL. Somehow, fans overlook their efforts until they score a goal or save a goal. However, we display the best 20 defenders of the ISL 2023–24 campaign.

It is decided based on their value to their teams, playing times, leadership qualities, defensive abilities, and vital goals, and how they assist in helping win the trophy. So, let’s look at this list.

The List of Top 20 Best Defenders in ISL 2023-24

20. NIKHIL POOJARY (Bengaluru FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Nikhil Chandra Shekhar Poojary
• Date of Birth- 03.09.1995
• Place of Birth- Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Foot- Right
• Positions- RB, RM, RW
• Agent- TRP Sports

Firstly, we talk about one of the best ISL defenders, Nikhil Poojary. This year, Poojary joined “the Blues” in the January transfer window from Hyderabad FC. Bengaluru FC’s Nikhil Poojary displayed his performance as a rock at the back, but not his best.

He had a superb blend of offensive ability and defensive resiliency, especially in the right-back position, as well as the ability to play in the right midfield and right-wing positions.

Echoing Winston Churchill’s maxim, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm,” It defines the situation of Bengaluru’s performance this time and Poojary’s effort.

While his anticipation and disciplining tackles leave wingers in his wake, his relentless overlapping runs down the right side reflect his overlapping aspirations.

His approach to his game is one of never-say-die. Despite not being the most conventional defense, Poojary is becoming a formidable force in the ISL because of his adaptability and relentless dedication.

Nikhil Poojary – Statistics of (23-24)

19. AAKASH SANGWAN (Chennaiyin FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Aakash Sangwan
• Date of Birth- 28.10.1995
• Place of Birth- Jind, Haryana
• Foot- Left
• Positions- LB, LM, LW
• Agent- Four flags

Credited as one of the ISL’s best defenders this season, Chennaiyin FC’s left-back Aakash Sangwan is living up to the legendary Vince Lombardi’s motto, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

This season, one of the evaluated ISL defenders is Aakash Sangwan. A left-back with multiple-position ability built solidity in the left channel for Owen Coyle’s playing style.

His threatening attacking moves with down-the-flank runs create threats in the opposition box. This young gun made an Olympic goal this season and built authority.

Also, he has amazing defensive ability and excellent recovery speed. His deft transition from defense to attack makes him a priceless addition to Chennaiyin FC.

Aakash Sangwan – Statistics of (23-24)

18.HIJAZI MAHER (Emami East Bengal FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Hijazi Maher Saleh Abu Saeed
• Date of Birth- 20.09.1997
• Place of Birth- Amman, Jordan
• Foot- Left
• Positions- CB, LB
• Agent- Not Disclosed

Emami East Bengal’s Hijazi Maher signifies Winston Churchill’s maxim: “A good defense is the best offense.” Carles Cuadrat brought this Jordanian Hijazi Maher this season. In his debut season in ISL, Hijazi made a phenomenon knock for the Red and Gold brigade.

He was a standout player throughout the season in the backline. Hijazi is not a hard-tackling, robust defender. But he has superb anticipation skills and positioning sense that make sense when he clears the ball from the backline.

In addition to his incisive tackles and powerful aerial presence, which guarantee that nothing gets past him easily, his composure under pressure enables him to put out danger before it burns.

Maher’s leadership and communication reinforce the entire defense, transforming Emami East Bengal into a formidable defensive force.

Hijazi Maher – Statistics of (23-24)

17. MIGUEL ZABACO (North-East United FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Miguel Zabaco Tome
• Date of Birth- 06.02.1989
• Place of Birth- Burgos, Spain
• Foot- Left
• Positions- CB, LB
• Agent- Not Disclosed

It was an exciting debut season for Miguel Zabaco in a Highlanders jersey. Miguel Zabaco of North-East United is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the ISL, embodying the spirit of a warrior on the pitch. Zabaco, “The Wall,” is a pillar of the North-East backline, known for his unwavering work ethic and leadership.

His opponents dread his precisely timed tackles and ability to read the game like a chess master. He calmly and intelligently stops the barrage of attacks.

Whether launching pinpoint long balls or organizing his defense with booming calls, Zabaco is the uncontested leader at the heart of North-East United’s success this season.

He also has goal-scoring ability in the set-piece movement, with the header like an old-school defender. In the Jamshedpur match of the first leg, Zabaco scored an equalizer from a header in 94 minutes that turned the momentum of the game for Highlanders to 2-1.

Miguel Zabaco – Statistics of (23-24)

16.MILOŠ DRINČIĆ (Kerala Blasters FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Milos Drincic
• Date of Birth- 14.02.1999
• Place of Birth- Podgorica, Montenegro
• Foot- Right
• Positions- CB, LB
• Agent- FBM

After joining the ISL, Drincic made a footstep for the Manjappada defense. This young defender caught the limelight in his debut season. Milos Drincic of the Kerala Blasters is the modern-day Vidic of Indian football.

A colossus at the back, Drincic cuts an imposing figure with his towering presence and a calmness that inspires confidence in his team. Unlike the ferocious Vidic, Drincic’s strength lies in his anticipation and reading of the game. He snuffs out the danger with precise interceptions.

Before it can fester living by the philosophy that “the best tackle is the one you don’t have to make.” In the 2023–24 season, when opponent teams face Kerala and enter their half, Drincic leads the defense with a firm yet composed approach.

His leadership and communication skills solidify the backline, and his headed goal ability boosts the team’s strength. For the reason, he is one of the best defenders in the ISL this season.

Milos Drincic- Statistics of (23-24)

15. AKASH MISHRA (Mumbai City FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Akash Mishra
• Date of Birth- 27.11. 2001
• Place of Birth- Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh
• Foot- Left
• Positions- LB, CB
• Agent- Libero Sports

Following his departure from Hyderabad FC, many thought Akash would surpass his old form and play better at Mumbai City FC. However, the injury breaks this expectation at the initial stage of the season. But he came back and showed his brilliance on the field. Mishra swiftly integrated into Mumbai City’s backline like a missing puzzle piece.

He personifies the notion that “defense wins championships,” but with an extra splash of offensive skill. Mishra’s placement is flawless as if he were a commander commanding his forces with a calm authority that belies his youth. His tackles are forceful and accurate, evoking comparisons to the legend Franco Baresi.

However, Mishra is not only a rock for defense. His precise crosses create threats in the opposition box, and his overlapping runs down the left flank provide the Islanders’ attack with a potent weapon.

Akash Mishra’s position as a vital player in the Islanders’ championship journey has been confirmed by dispelling doubts and cementing his status among the league’s finest.

Akash Mishra- Statistics of (23-24)

14.ANWAR ALI (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Anisa Anwar Ali
• Date of Birth- 28.08. 2000
• Place of Birth- Adampur, Punjab
• Foot- Both
• Positions- CB, RB
• Agent- Libero Sports

Anwar Ali was more than just a defensive wall; he was one of the Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s most valuable defenders in the 2023–24 ISL season. Like a castle, he was indestructible. “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Anwar exemplified this sentiment.

Indian prospect at center back Anwar Ali won the Durand Cup to kick off the 2023–24 season. However, he was missing for several months due to an injury sustained during an AFC Cup encounter. After that, his comeback injury gradually heated up his class.

He rallied the backline with poise and serenity, which motivated other players. His long-ball distribution and goal-scoring skills make him valuable to the club. Mohun Bagan‘s land became insecure for opponents due to Anwar’s presence there.

Anwar Ali- Statistics of (23-24)

13. MEHTAB SINGH (Mumbai City FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Mehtab Singh
• Date of Birth- 05.06. 1998
• Place of Birth- Khemkaran, Punjab
• Foot- Right
• Positions- CB, RB, LB
• Agent- TRP Sports

Mehtab is 6 feet tall and has won an unprecedented number of aerial duels. However, his defensive abilities far exceed his size. He transitions seamlessly between defense and attack, making him a superb defensive player.

He can prevent danger before it occurs since he can foresee risks. Because of his build-up play and his ability to send long balls that initiate assaults, he is a vital component of the Islanders’ defense.

Besides scoring ability from set pieces, he can recover quickly enough to eliminate any threat to their goal. This season, he has significantly impacted the Islanders’ performance.

Mehtab Singh- Statistics of (23-24)

12. PACHUAU LALDINPUIA (Jamshedpur FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Pachuau Laldinpuia
• Date of Birth- 29.11. 1996
• Place of Birth- Mizoram
• Foot- Right
• Positions- CB,DM
• Agent- Treble Sports 

The Indian Super League has discovered another gem this year. Laldinpuia has showcased the best season of his career so far. A center-back with a versatile presence gives solidity to Jamshedpur FC this season.

The 27-year-old defender has put solidity in the Red Miners’ weak backline. His aerial ability with lighting recovery speed was a phenomenon this season. The versatile defender showed his effectiveness in the final third, too.

But his defending ability is much higher than his attacking ability. Jamshedpur may not be topping the table, but with Laldinpuia anchoring their defense, they’re a team no one wants to face. Against Chennaiyin FC, he scored a fantastic equalizer and saved the team.

Pachuau Laldinpuia– Statistics of (23-24)

11. RAHUL BHEKE (Mumbai City FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Rahul Shankar Bheke
• Date of Birth- 06.12.1990
• Place of Birth- Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Foot- Right
• Positions- RB,CB
• Agent- SGI India

Rahul Bheke is a veteran player on the Indian football circuit. The captain of Mumbai City FC and a member of the national side have a vast career history. He is an excellent leader and a versatile defender. Alex Ferguson’s famous quote, “Attack wins you games, defense wins you titles,” embodies that perfectly.

His leadership qualities and rock-solid defensive ability make him a renowned defender. His supremacy in the aerial duels is notable.

While his anticipation and tackling style frequently leave opponents scrambling, his attacking qualities are equally outstanding. Opposition teams struggle with his defense-splitting long passes and precise crosses.

The 2023–24 season saw him orchestrate countless shutouts, most notably the epic 3-2 win against FC Goa in the first leg of the semi-final, where he shut down Noah Sadaoui throughout the entire game, and his flick from a corner was crucial for the first goal.

Rahul Bheke– Statistics of (23-24)

10. DIMITRIOS CHATZIISAIAS (Punjab FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Dimitrios Chatziisaias
• Date of Birth- 21.09.1992
• Place of Birth- Thessaloniki, Greece
• Foot- Right
• Position- CB
• Agent- SPORTS ACTION

Dimitrios Chatziisaias of Punjab FC has shined on the backline in his debut ISL season. Chatziisaias doesn’t shy away from challenges and has a strong mentality.

His ability to read the game is excellent, as he can predict the attacker’s moves before they even happen and has superb recovery ability. The thrilling 1-0 win against North-East United was a memorable performance by Chatziisaias. 

Throughout the match, Chatziisaias was a pillar in the Punjab backline and cleared eight threats. 

But he is not only a tackler. He is a leader, controls the game under pressure, and has scoring ability. Chatziisaias Punjab’s defense has transformed into a fortress, contributing significantly to their success this season.

Dimitrios Chatziisaias- Statistics of (23-24)

9.MOURTADA FALL (Odisha FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Mourtada Fall
• Date of Birth- 26.12.1987
• Place of Birth- Dakar, Senegal
• Foot- Both
• Position- CB
• Agent- Zone 58 Group Sarl

In ISL history, he is one of the best defenders. During Sergio Lobera’s era at Mumbai City FC, Mourtada Fall was in his career’s top form. In the 2023-24 season, Lobera joined as a head coach of Odisha FC.

After that incident, his best student also joined Odisha FC from Mumbai City FC. Fall also did justice to his name in the 2023-24 season for the Kalinga Warriors jersey.

This Senegalese will play as a wall at the heart of the Odisha FC defense. Fall’s height, goal-scoring ability, passing quality, and hulking physicality make him the ideal modern-day center-back. 

His commanding presence and aerial prowess echoed Virgil van Dijk’s dominance. Fall’s game reading and timing in tackling were superior. Fall showed off his attacking prowess in the encounter between FC Goa and Hyderabad FC.

Mourtada Fall- Statistics of (23-24)

8.ODEI ONAINDIA (FC Goa)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Odei Onaindia Zabala
• Date of Birth- 07.12.1989
• Place of Birth- Lekeitio, Spain
• Foot- Right
• Position- CB
• Agent- Emartsoccer

Manolo Márquez Roca signed this year in FC Goa from Hyderabad FC. As Roka joined FC Goa, he also brought his favorite student to Goa. One of the finest defenders in ISL, FC Goa’s center-back Odei Onaindia Zabala wasn’t just a rock at the back – he was a leader.

His long pass splits the defense and opens up opportunities in the other half. His sliding tackles were surgical, his interceptions were intuitive, and his composure under pressure was ice-cold.

In the first half of the ISL, Onaindia’s season was a masterclass in defensive dominance with a pair of Jhingan. He marshaled the FC Goa defense with a leader’s roar, marshaling his troops like a general. This season, Odei opened his scoring account against Bengaluru with an equalizer.

Odei Onaindia- Statistics of (23-24)

7. JAY GUPTA (FC Goa)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Jay Gupta
• Date of Birth- 27.09. 2001
• Place of Birth- Pune, Maharashtra  
• Foot- Left
• Position- LB, CB
• Agent- Not Disclosed

Jay Gupta is a new sensation in Indian Football. This emerging player got the limelight in his debut season. His defensive quality, as well as attacking quality, was a phenomenon in this season.

Once, Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot by just watching,” and Gupta observes like a hawk. His timing and interceptions with incredible precision were top-notch.

He is a modern-day left-back with a high work rate and attacking ability. His overlapping runs down the left flank with accurate center add another dimension to his game. Gupta keeps his game simple, reads the game brilliantly, and frustrates opponents to no end.

FC Goa’s stunning 3-2 victory over Odisha FC was a memorable match for the fans. Gupta’s last-ditch effort in the final moments sealed all three points. With his talent and work ethic, there’s no doubt Gupta will be a mainstay in the FC Goa defense for years to come. Because of his terrific performance, he debuted for national team against Kuwait.

Jay Gupta- Statistics of (23-24)

6. AMEY RANAWADE(Odisha FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Amey Ganesh Ranawade
• Date of Birth- 07.03.1998
• Place of Birth- Mumbai, Maharashtra 
• Foot- Right
• Position- RB
• Agent- Four flags

One of the rising gems of Indian football is Amey Ranawade of Odisha FC. This season, he proved himself after returning from an injury.

The young player Amey continues to perform at a high level in the Indian Super League and remains a vital man for the Odisha FC defense. Ranawade marshaled Odisha’s defense with a never-say-die attitude.

His reading of the game is exceptional, often anticipating the attacker’s moves. He’s a stone in one-on-one situations, leaving frustrated strikers murmuring “better luck next time” under their breath.

He has a lethal pace and outstanding cross-ability. Most of the time, his attacking involvement creates threats. This right-back has provided as many assists to the forward line. 

Against Bengaluru FC in that dramatic 3-2 win, Amay scored a goal and displayed a solid defensive performance. As a result, he got called up for the national team.

Amey Ranawade- Statistics of (23-24)

5.CARLOS DELGADO (Odisha FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Carlos Javier Delgado Rodriguez
• Date of Birth- 22.04.1990
• Place of Birth- Puerto Real, Spain  
• Foot- Left
• Position- CB
• Agent- RGFOOTBALL

Sergio Lobera has composed one of the best backlines in ISL at Odisha FC this season, with the elegant Carlos Delgado at its core. His mix of power and agility separates him from many ISL players.

With his calm composure- his attitude echoes Virgil van Dijk’s famous quote, “Pressure is a privilege,” Delgado marshals the defense with Mourtada Fall and joins the attacking movement.

This Spaniard showed defensive dominance and attacking ability this year. His leadership and aerial prowess have Odisha FC dreaming of a historic clean sheet record, making him a true defensive leader in the ever-competitive ISL. That’s the reason he is one of the best defenders in the ISL.

Carlos Delgado- Statistics of (23-24)

In the semi-final of the first leg, Delgado made an outstanding equalizer from a set-piece movement against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and they won that match 2-1.

4. RYAN EDWARDS (Chennaiyin FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Ryan Christopher Edwards
• Date of Birth- 07.10.1993
• Place of Birth- Liverpool, England
• Foot- Right
• Positions- CB, RB
• Agent- Crown Football 

What a signing Ryan Edwards has been for Chennaiyin FC. This British impressed in his debut season in the ISL under Owen Coyle. Arguably one of the best defenders in the 2023-24 season ISL.

Chennaiyin FC’s central defender, Ryan Edwards, showed solidity, calmness, and composure in the backline. Despite being 30, his leadership and defensive presence were vital to Chennaiyin’s playoff success.

Edwards’ composure on the ball and ability to read the game is fabulous, and his attacking quality is also. One of the memorable moments was his goal to lead in the closing minutes against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With his contract extended till 2025, Chennaiyin fans can expect more in the upcoming season.

Ryan Edwards- Statistics of (23-24)

3. TIRI (Mumbai City FC)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo
• Date of Birth- 14.07.1991
• Place of Birth- Los Barrios, Spain
• Foot- Left
• Positions- CB, LB
• Agent- DRL

Currently most seasoned foreign campaigner of ISL. After his ACL injury, Tiri joined Mumbai City FC this year and has been a brick wall at the back for the Islanders.

With his tenacious tackling and commanding presence, Tiri embodies the spirit of Yogi Berra’s famous quote: “It ain’t over till it’s over.” He has made last-ditch tackles and interceptions at the last minute, preventing Mumbai from conceding on multiple occasions.

Tiri reads games really well and has excellent positional awareness. He arranges the backline as cool as a cucumber and shapes the defense to avoid attacks.

His defense, as well as his attacking skills, great long-passing ability, and ability to win aerial duels, make him one of the best defenders in ISL.

Tiri opened his account against Jamshedpur FC this year with a header. To win the ISL Cup trophy, Tiri was the vital leader in the defense.

TIRI- Statistics of (23-24)

2. HECTOR YUSTE (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Hector Yuste Canton
• Date of Birth- 12.01.1988
• Place of Birth- Cartagena, Spain
• Foot- Right
• Positions- CB, DM
• Agent- YOU FIRST

Hector Yuste may turn 36, but he is one of the best defenders in the ISL. Discovering a center-back who changed a team’s fortunes in his debut season would be difficult.

Debatedly, this veteran, in the 2023-24 season, has woven his experience and composure into the fabric of the Mariners’ success. Yuste played a crucial role in leading Mohun Bagan SG to win the ISL League Shield. In the mid-season, they were in a bad phase. But in the second leg, their supremacy dominates the ISL.

Yuste’s influence extends beyond crunching tackles. His ability to build play from the back, with passing accuracy and aerial dominance, adds a new dimension to Mohun Bagan’s attack.

A memorable moment was his goal-line save against Punjab FC, which won 1-0. Another one was against Bengaluru FC in a do-or-die match. His opening goal was to set the tone of the game. Look out for Yuste’s leadership and tactical nous in the upcoming ISL season.

Hector Yuste- Statistics of (23-24)

1.SUBHASISH BOSE(Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Player Profile

• Full Name- Subhasish Prodyut Bose
• Date of Birth- 18.08.1995
• Place of Birth- Kolkata, West Bengal
• Foot- Both
• Positions- LB, CB, LM
• Agent- B.O.Y. India

Regular member of the national team and captain of Mohun Bagan Super Giant Subhasish Bose has outdone himself in 2023-24 and won the ISL Shield. Bose’s defensive qualities have received criticism following poor performances in the previous year.

But, this year, he showed his class and shuttered the netizens. He excelled in playing various defensive roles for the team due to his versatility. Like Ashley Cole, Bose excels at left-back, balancing defense and attack.

His well-timed tackles and passing ability make him a ball-playing defender. When injuries impacted the squad, the captain moved from his traditional left-back spot and played as a center-back with Yuste and Anwar of defense for solidity.

His tireless work ethic and exceptional stamina allow him to patrol the flank tirelessly, shutting down opposing wingers and initiating attacks with pinpoint crosses. In the 2023-24 season, Bose played a pivotal role in every ISL match for Mohun Bagan, having netted his first ISL goal against North-East United and winning 3-1.

He embodies Vince Lombardi’s quote, “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”  There is no doubt that he is best defenders in ISL this year.

Subhasish Bose- Statistics of (23-24)

Last words

The league has produced numerous outstanding defenders and emerging stars.

The ISL is a reasonably abundant source of talent for the Indian National Team. Thus, hope to see young players and high-quality international defenders boost the ISL’s importance in world football.

Throughout the ten years, we have seen many quality defenders. In the near future, we expect more talented, quality defenders to glorious the value of ISL.

The ISL has provided an excellent platform for Indian players to demonstrate their abilities. We hope the league continues developing and providing a platform for India’s top footballing talents to shine.

Thanks for taking the time to read my content. I believe you have discovered it. If you have any queries or suggestions about the topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out or continue following Sports Dribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Krishanu

My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.

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