Hira Mondal to Florentin Pogba: Top 5 defenders to watch out for in the Indian Super League 2022

Narender Gahlot will play for Odisha FC; and Hira Monfal for Bengaluru FC. (Images via Twitter/OdishFC and Twitter/HiraMon75037100)

"Attack wins you matches, defence wins you titles" is an age-old saying that has stood the test of time, even though football has evolved over the years.

A new season of the Indian Super League is upon us, with Kerala Blasters and East Bengal kicking things off on October 7.

We take a look at some of the defenders who will be crucial to their team's ambitions as they chase ultimate glory in Indian football.

Bengaluru FC (BFC) is stacked up front, with Sunil Chhetri leading the line. However, at the back, they can count on the Hira Mondal who recently signed for the former ISL champions.

Plying his trade for East Bengal until last season, Mondal will be key to BFC's ambition to return to the top of Indian football. The 26-year-old is a versatile defender, who can play down the middle or on the flank.

He had a good season last year with East Bengal, even though the team had a poor year. He made 57 clearances, 49 tackles, 35 blocks, and 29 interceptions in the 2021-22 season, and Bengaluru FC will hope Mondal brings that good form to the table this year.

Another new signing on this list, Narender Galhot turned out for Jamshedpur last season before shifting to Odisha for the upcoming ISL season.

He is one of the best emerging talents in the country, and he also featured in our top young players story.

Manager Josep Gombau will be keen to utilise the 21-year-old's strength as Odisha looks to put on a good show this year.

The 31-year-old Iranian will be part of a brand new Chennaiyin FC backline, and the side will bank on his extensive experience. The side from Chennai has had some issues with their defence and Hakhamaneshi will help to address some of them.

Hakhamaneshi moved to Chennaiyin FC from Thai side Ratchaburi Mitr Phol, and will experience the Indian Super League for the first time in his career.

The Englishman is the most experienced on this list, at 34-years-old, and has had quite the nomadic career. Hartley signed for Jamshedpur FC (JFC) in 2020 on a two-year deal and has been the bedrock of the side. He was instrumental in JFC winning the ISL League Winner's shield last season, and he will be crucial to their title charge this year.

The name's Pogba, Florentin Pogba!

Easily the biggest name on this list, Florentin Pogba is the older brother of French superstar Paul Pogba.

The 32-year-old brings more than just a famous surname.

ATK Mohun Bagan signed Pogba on a two-year deal in the summer and will be banking on his European experience. He made his debut against Rajasthan in the Durand Cup, but ended up on the losing side.

However, he will be key to Bagan's season, and will look to lead from the back.