ISL 2018-19 semi-finals: Top 5 Defenders

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While Rahul Bheke will be the one to watch out in the semi-finals, Tiri will be sorely missed

There is an old saying which goes like, "If you suffer an attack, your best ally is to keep calm and defend." And, in football, it is the responsibility of the defenders to ensure that the oppositions' attacking plans get thwarted.

In the 2018-19 ISL season, they not only lived up to their defensive duties but also helped out their team in attack and midfield - a vital trait of a modern-day defender. While four of these defenders will be in action in the semi-finals of the ISL, one huge name will be missing as his team has been ousted from the competition.

Without any further ado, here are the top 5 defenders of the Hero Indian Super League.

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#5 Mato Grgic (NorthEast United FC)

Mato Grgic played a key role to ensure Northeast United FC progressed to the semi-finals for the first time

Bosnia and Herzegovina-born Croatian footballer Mato Grgic had never stepped foot in Asia, let alone in India. By the time most of the first-time foreigners acclimatised themselves to the Indian conditions, the season reached its business end. However, the 31-year-old Mato Grgic didn't feel alienated and marshalled the back-four with aplomb.

Being a Dutch, Eelco Schattorie prefers his team to keep the ball and pass it around. Grgic has a staggering passing accuracy of 87.5% and averages 35 passes per game.

Barring NorthEast United's last game against Kerala Blasters in which he was suspended, Grgic started every game for the Highlanders and played the entirety of the ninety minutes. A no-nonsense defender when the team is under pressure, his mammoth 125 clearances in 17 matches along with 19 tackles and 29 blocks proves his mettle.

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