In a game of football, the strikers play a major role in scoring goals and taking the scoreline in favour of their team. However, the defenders are also a crucial part of a football team, who prevents the opponents from scoring goals with their skills in defending and blocking the goal for the opponent.
The Indian football team has seen some of the best defenders play for the country throughout the years. In the following listicle, we will have a look at five best defenders in Indian football.
Best defenders in Indian football
5. Mahesh Gawli
Former Indian footballer Mahesh Gawli has been one of the best defenders to play for the Indian football team. He played as centre-back for India, playing 68 matches for the country from 2001 to 2011.
4. Syed Nayeemuddin
Syed Nayeemuddin has played for the Indian football team from 1964 to 1971 and was one of the most talented defenders of his time. He has also been a football coach and has won Arjuna Award in 1970. Nayeemuddin was a part of the Indian football team that won the bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games.
3. Gostha Pal
Gostha Pal was known as the ‘Chinese Wall of India’ for his commendable skills as a defender in the Indian football team. Under his captaincy, Mohun Bagan reached the final of Rovers Cup in 1923, and the semi-final of Durand Cup in 1924. Pal has played for India from 1924 to 1935 and was one of the best Indian defenders of his era.
2. Jarnail Singh Dhillon
One of the greatest Indian footballers of all time, Jarnail Singh Dhillon earned this title through his defense and attacking skills on the football ground. He was a kind of a player who plays as a centre back in most of the game and then goes forward in the final moments of the match. He was a part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games.
1. Sailendra Nath Manna
Sailendra Nath Manna is regarded as the greatest defender of all time to play for the Indian football team, who was known for his free kicks and clean tackles. As a captain, Manna also led the Indian team to gold medal at 1951 Asian Games and four back-to-back titles in Colombo Cup from 1952 to 1955. He has played 14 matches for India from 1948 to 1956.