Top five defenders to watch out for in Durand Cup 2024

Durand Cup is one of the most prestigious annual domestic football tournaments in India.

The Durand Cup is one of Asia’s oldest continuing football competitions and the fifth-oldest national football competition in the world. It has given an opportunity for many players to showcase their talents and achieve success in the league signifying its importance than just a pre-season tournament.

In this high-pressure scenario, defenders are the unsung heroes who set the base for victory. Unlike their attacking counterparts, who get the limelight for spectacular goals, defenders continue to operate in an equally vital role, though slightly less glamorous.

They are the resolute backstop, the last line of defense and the wall that prevents the opposition from jostling their way through with relentless offensive waves.

Defenders form the bedrock of any team silently foiling attacks and frustrating opponent’s advances. Unlike the forwards or midfielders, their success isn’t always measured in goals and assists.

It’s a role of quiet determination, including crucial blocks, well-timed tackles, accurate clearances, perfectly timed interceptions and the capacity to win aerial duels. They are the first line of defense, often tasked with making decisions upon which the entire team’s fate hangs in the balance.

Here is a list of the top five defenders to watch closely in the upcoming matches of the Durand Cup:

5. Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United FC)

Despite being a newcomer to the ISL, Asheer wasted no time proving his worth. The 29-year-old Maharashtra right-back cemented his position as a defensive pillar for NorthEast United FC with a considerable 19 league matches under his belt. He played for a total of more than 1600 minutes, displaying great consistency and defensive strength. He even contributed with a goal and an assist, demonstrating his attacking potential.

Asheer’s defensive statistics speak volumes. He contributed to 3 clean sheets. His 22 interceptions, 17 blocks, and 63 recoveries are evidence of his excellent awareness and ability to disrupt opposition attacks. In addition, he won 67 clearances and 21 aerial duels. On the other hand, he created four chances, which suggests he is a well-rounded defender who can initiate attacks as well.

From the I-League to the limelight of the ISL, his journey illustrates his persistence and raw talent. He has been doing impressively well and is one of the players to watch out for in this edition of the Durand Cup.

4. Milos Drincic (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Montenegrin defender, Milos Drincic, has already turned out to be a defensive mainstay with Kerala Blasters FC in his debut season with them. He has spent his first season proving his competence in both defensive and attacking fronts.

Drincic has been a strong figure at the back and amassed five clean sheets for his team. His defensive statistics account for 81 clearances, 16 blocks, and 20 interceptions that do not let the opponent gain any leverage over him. He even notched up two goals and has proved to be a viable set-piece threat. His physicality and dominance in the air, with 65 duels won, also make him a staggering hurdle for the strikers to pass through.

The centre-back’s impact at Kerala Blasters FC is undeniable, and his performance on the pitch has earned him acclaim as one of the ISL’s best defenders in the span of a single season. Drincic can easily make his impact felt at the Durand Cup 2024 with Kerala’s new-look team.

3. Ashish Rai (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Ashish Rai proved to be a vital cog for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2023-24 season. A marker of his reliability at the heart of the defense came with the fact that he played 18 matches while helping his team to three clean sheets.

Outside of his defensive value, Ashish Rai showed the world his versatility and what he brought in terms of offense. With 12 chances created, it is evident that he can launch attacks from deep positions. 78 recoveries and 21 clearances further reflected an unrelenting work rate and a commitment to defensive work. To top off a fantastic season, Rai even got on the scoresheet with a goal.

The high-flying right-back performs equally well in the defensive and offensive phases of the game. Consistent displays like these earned him recognition from fans and players alike as one of the top defenders in the league and one to watch in the Durand Cup.

2. Ashutosh Mehta (Jamshedpur FC)

Following his national team debut, Ashutosh Mehta received a two-year ban starting on June 24, 2022. As people looked forward to his much-anticipated return, the full-back made a significant comeback to professional football after the hiatus. His performance was impressive, justifying Khalid Jamil’s decision to include him in the Jamshedpur FC squad.

Ashutosh began his tenure under Khalid Jamil in the Red Miner’s opening game against Assam Rifles FT on Sunday and was instrumental in helping them keep a clean sheet. He also chipped in with two wonderful chances created and one assist.

1. Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke has established himself as one of the top defenders in the Indian Super League. His versatility in being able to perform well at right-back and center-back added to his leadership qualities, make him an invaluable asset for any team.

Last season at Mumbai City FC, Bheke was a rock at the back, significantly contributing to the solidity of his team’s defense. The numbers speak for themselves: eight clean sheets, 25 interceptions and more than 100 recoveries and clearances. Beyond defense, Bheke displayed an affinity for attacking play, fashioning goal-scoring opportunities for his fellow forwards by creating nine chances.

Rahul Bheke signed for Bengaluru FC earlier this summer. The returning Blues hero was named in the playing 11 of the first Durand Cup match and also given the captain’s armband. “Bhekenbauer” had an instant impact, scoring in his first game back and earning the Player of the Match award for his resolute display. His leadership and experience will be an indispensable asset in guiding Bengaluru to glory.

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