I-League TOTP 10: Laldanmawia Ralte continues his inspiring work for Alejandro Menendez’s East Bengal

Also, Paul Ramfangzuava put in an amazing display for Aizawl FC.

As the I-League season moves to its closure, the games are coming thick and fast, producing some stunning football at the same time. While Chennai City FC and East Bengal keep on their fight for the title, other teams are also aiming to play some entertaining football to please their fans.

The last few days produced some surprising results in the I-League, with certain domestic talents giving a fantastic example of their ability with solid performances. These players impressed fans by showing urgency and elevated their sides performance-level.

So here’s our I-League Team of the Phase 10:

Super-sub Lalkhawpuimawia will lead the frontline alongside Ralte and Fernandes

Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Gill (Indian Arrows)

After not playing a part against Real Kashmir, Gill returned to the Indian Arrows team in their final I-League game against Mohun Bagan. He gave quite an impressive performance against the Mariners, asserting dominance in the box and holding onto crosses really well.  He also made a couple of impressive saves, mounting on the host's frustration.

While he couldn’t keep a clean-sheet to top off a solid campaign, Gill’s heroics helped Arrows record a historic win over the Mariners to end their season perfectly.

Right-Back: Tarif Akhand (Chennai City FC)

Tarif started a game for the league leaders after a long time, replacing Edwin Vasnpaul at right-back against Mohun Bagan. He had to deal with Sony Norde’s threat and did so valiantly, keeping the Mariners captain at bay and neutralizing any chances he tried to create.

Akhand was also commendable in distributing possession, with his intelligent defending and crucial tackles helping keep things tidy at the back. He must’ve impressed Akbar Nawas with his performance, which showed how promising the youngster is.

Center-Back: Anwar Ali (Indian Arrows)

The defender kept the intimidating Henry Kisekka and Aser Dipanda Dicka quiet

Anwar Ali continued to be the rising beacon in Indian Arrows defence, asserting his authority with some composed performances to round off the season. While Ali couldn’t really keep Real Kashmir from scoring, he didn’t allow his side to crumble to their bullying nature.

He improved his performance against Mohun Bagan, where he kept the intimidating Henry Kisekka and Aser Dipanda Dicka quiet. It was also his thunderous free-kick which allowed Abhijit Sarkar’s equalizer, with Ali’s set-piece ability also being displayed with that powerful attempt.

Center-Back: Arashpreet Singh (Minerva Punjab)

Minerva Punjab finally went back to winning ways after being winless in almost two months and their solid defensive work was vital towards that. Arashpreet Singh was rock-solid at the heart of their defence, helping to keep out NEROCA’s thunderous attack.

He did some good work in keeping Chencho quiet throughout the game while making important challenges and clearances to frustrate the Orange Army. Singh helped the Warriors keep a well-earned clean sheet and get three crucial points after a long time.

Left-Back: Hmingthan Mawia (Aizawl FC)

The 18-year-old gave a string of impressive performances to mirror Aizawl’s rise in form recently, helping them gain four points from two difficult away fixtures. Mawia was solid against East Bengal, keeping Laldanmawia Ralte really quiet and rendering him ineffective with tight marking and intelligent defending.

He helped 10-man Aizawl grind through a point and retained his good form against Gokulam Kerala. Mawia kept things tidy against The Malabarians, helping his side keep them contained and eventually mounting a stunning comeback to earn a big win.

Right Center-Midfield: Rahul Kannoly Praveen (Indian Arrows)

Rahul KP rounded off an excellent season for Indian Arrows with two glowing performances against top sides Real Kashmir and Mohun Bagan. He didn’t start against The Snow Leopards but made an instant impact after coming on, scoring a 91st-minute equalizer in thrilling fashion to salvage a point in Arrows final home game.

He earned his start against Mohun Bagan, whom he tormented with his movement. Rahul scored the second goal in impressive fashion, latching onto Boris past to emphatically finish past Ricardo Cardozo to end his season with three goals.

Center-Midfield: Regin Michael (Chennai City FC)

Operating as the defensive midfield breaker for Chennai City FC, Michael put in a couple of efficient performance to help the league leaders assert domination against Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan. He stopped Shillong’s electric attack on numerous occasions, with his solid defensive work and defensive cover enabling Chennai to attack more freely.

Michael was also solid against Mohun Bagan, winning back possession multiple times and helping move the ball forward for the hosts to record a dominant victory.

Left Center-Midfield: Paul Ramfangzuava (Aizawl FC)

Paul was really effective for Aizawl against East Bengal, helping to break their flow on a number of opportunities while creating many counter-attacking opportunities for his side. He did a commendable job in helping Aizawl see out the draw and proved his more attacking prowess against Gokulam Kerala.

Despite being the ball-winner, Paul roamed forward in look for an equalizer and got it when he won the ball and went past Shibinraj to score emphatically. He helped trigger the fantastic come-back by motivating his side to go for the win.

Right-Wing: Laldanmawia Ralte (East Bengal)

Laldanmawia continued his inspiring work for Alejandro Menendez’s East Bengal and despite having a quiet game against Aizawl, he bounced back against Real Kashmir. Ralte caused the Snow Leopards all kinds of problems with his movement, often going past his man and getting into a promising position.

He delivered a solid assist when his looping cross allowed Enrique Esqueda to give the Red and Gold Brigaders the lead. Ralte linked-up with his attackers really well and kept up his good work throughout, helping his side attain a big away win.

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Left-Wing: Nicholas Fernandes (Churchill Brothers)

Fernandes created quite a few chances for The Red  Machines, with his crossing troubling East Bengal’s defence

The Churchill Brothers winger showed admirable persistence against East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium, moving quickly and decisively through that left-flank and causing the hosts many problems. Fernandes created quite a few chances for The Red  Machines, with his crossing troubling East Bengal’s defence.

In the second half,  he showcased his ability when his peach cross perfectly fell for Willis Plaza to give Churchill the lead. Even afterwards, he kept pushing forward and was commendable defensively, often roaming back to help his side contain the hosts and earn a valuable point.

Striker: Lalkhawpuimawia (Aizawl FC)

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Yet again working as the super-sub for Aizawl FC, Lalkhawpuimawia floored Gokulam Kerala with his determination and impressive wit in the final third. He helped turn around the game for Gokulam, as it was his pressing which allowed Paul to win the ball and score the equalizer. He then latched onto Ansumana Kromah’s through-ball well, before turning smartly and powerfully slotting in to give his side the lead.

Mapuia later also assisted Kromah’s goal to wrap up three points, rounding up a fantastic super-sup performance.