ISL 2016: Best XI of the group stage
After somewhat of a slow start, the 2016 Indian Super League (ISL) picked up pace in the second half with teams beginning to find their groove and establishing distance between them and the chasing pack.
Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Delhi Dynamos and Atletico de Kolkata are the teams through to the semis and will be part of very closely fought encounters to determine who makes it to the final.
It was the most competitive of the three editions we've seen so far with the top four sides separated by just a point from each other.
As is wont to do, we try and pick the footballers who performed the best in this team of the league phase of this year's ISL.
Note: In keeping with what the teams work with, the side has been picked with the 6:5 ratio in play - six foreigners to five Indians - in the starting eleven. Additionally, there are five substitutes.
We all love goals and adventurous play, so this team is going to turn out in a forthright 4-3-3 out on the pitch.
GK: Apoula Edel Bete (FC Pune City)
Unfortunately for the giant Armenian, it wasn't to be a hat-trick of titles after having been part of the title winning side in both of the first two seasons. Edel’s move to Pune saw him endure a tough time with a defence that offered him very little protection.
Despite his team's shortcomings, Bete had a very solid season, making 46 saves (the most by any keeper this season), preventing further damage for his side. He featured in all but one game for them and was one of the few players from the team to really make an impact this season.