FC Goa’s Spanish midfielder Jorge Ortiz was one of their best players this season, and proved himself in whichever position he was deployed by head coach Juan Ferrando. He managed 46 take-ons for his team in 21 matches for the Gaurs. Ortiz finished the season with six goals and one assist to his name and played a huge role in FC Goa’s run to the semis where they lost to eventual champions Mumbai City FC.
Hugo Boumous was unable to replicate his form from last season, having played just 16 matches for the Islanders due to injury and suspension issues. The creative midfielder though completed 32 take-ons and his prowess was on display when he scored a brilliant goal against the Gaurs to open the scoring for his team in a 3-3 draw in Match 87. Boumous scored three goals and assisted seven this season.
The 23-year-old winger was a shadow of his former self this season but still managed to be one of Chennaiyin FC’s best players, with 30 take-ons for his team. The Marina Machans endured a barren spell for the large part of the season. Chhangte completed his campaign with four goals and one assist to his name.
Alberto Noguera was the main creative spark for the Gaurs and his efforts all through the season won him the DHL-Winning Pass-of-the-League award. The 31-year-old midfielder used his quick feet to good effect and was a constant threat to the opposition going forward, managing 25 take-ons for Juan Ferrando’s men in the process. The Spaniard did well to create open spaces for his teammates in the final third and finished the season with eight assists and one goal.
22-year-old Asish Rai was among the first names in the Hyderabad FC team sheet this season before suffering injury towards the end of the league stage. The young fullback completed 24 take-ons in 18 matches for Manuel Marquez’s team. Rai provided two assists for Hyderabad FC, and recovered the ball a massive 121 times as well.