Goal.com

17-May-2012 7:28:00 AM

Goal.com's correspondents choose their respective best XI from the season that has just concluded, after which a final XI is chosen.....

The 2011-12 I-League season was a memorable one, and gave us several memories which we shall cherish for a while to come.

In the end, Dempo SC won the title n an actioni filled campaign, well ahead of East Bengal, whose coach Trevor Morgan has now quit his job over lack of co-operation by the club management.

So with the season having concluded, Goal.com’s Indian football writers pick their best eleven and seven substitutes from the cream of the crop that took part in the I-League in 2011-12.

Salgaocar's players are dominant in Anselm's backline, as he feels Karanjit thanks to his athletic saves at crucial junctures of the season, Nicolau Colaco for his good sweeping role on the right and for his overlapping runs to deliver crosses from the right as well as Luciano Sobrosa should be a part of the best eleven, with the Brazilian adding strength and solidity at the back.

As his partner in defense, Keita Boubacar has been chosen, who impressed with his clean tackling and shielding of the ball. Debabrata Roy completes the back four.

In midfield, Anthony Pereira starts at the right wing thanks to his amazing crossing ability, while Anthony D'Souza complements his abilities on the left, with his crossing and dribbling skills being the bane of wingbacks throughout the season. Beto and Penn Orji add creativity and goal scoring threat from midfield.

The front two, Ranti Martins and Odafa Okolie automatically select themselves, having been terrific all campaign

Karanjit Singh

Salgaocar SC

N. Colaco Salgaocar SC

Luciano Sobrosa Salgaocar SC

Keita Boubacar Sporting Clube

Debabrata Roy Dempo SC

Anthony Pereira Dempo SC

Beto Churchill Bros.

Penn Orji East Bengal

Anthony D'Souza Sporting Clube

Ayush goes for a defense consisting of both - power and pace infront of Karanjit Singh and chooses two attacking wing-backs in the shape of Gurjinder Kumar and Colaco, who have been mightily impressive this season.

Dempo's veteran Mahesh Gawli and Uga Okpara form a solid backline, with their consistently impressive performances catching the eye of our correspondent.

Goan wingers Clifford Miranda and Francis Fernandes add a direct threat and pace to the side from the wings while Ayush completely agrees with Anselm's central midfield choices.

Odafa Okolie and Ranti Martins remain the unanimous choice upfront.

Karanjit Singh

Salgaocar SC

N. Colaco Salgaocar SC

Mahesh Gawli Dempo SC

Uga Okpara East Bengal

Gurjinder Kumar Pune FC

Francis Fernandes Salgaocar SC

Beto Churchill Bros.

Penn Orji East Bengal

Clifford Miranda Dempo SC

Kaustav feels that Abhra Mondal's stupendous form before injury with Pune FC must be recognised. He largely goes for a defense similar to Ayush and Anselm, but feels Nabi's dynamic displays from the left wing shouldn't be overlooked.

He chooses a narrow midfield, selecting Ogba Kalu's strength, Rocus Lamare's passing skills and Beto's creativity and has Penn Orji playing just behind Ranti Martins and Odafa Okolie.

Abhra Mondal

Pune FC

N. Colaco Salgaocar SC

Mahesh Gawli Dempo SC

Luciano Sobrosa Salgaocar SC

S. Rahim Nabi Mohun Bagan

Penn Orji

East Bengal

The troika eventually settle on the below eleven. Karanjit Singh's brilliant performances throughout the year make him a must in goal, while Nicolau Colaco has come up in leaps and bounds this year, mirroring the growth of Gurjinder Kumar, who had a similar rise last season.

Mahesh Gawli and Luciano Sobrosa manage to edge out the other contenders thanks to their consistency and their teams miserly goals against column.

Miranda and Francis's exploits on the wings win them the nod ahead of other nominees while Beto and Penn Orji were a unanimous choice, thanks to the creativity and goal threat they have added to their respective sides.

Odafa and Ranti are automatic choices upfront, thanks to the truckload of goals the duo have scored this season.

Karanjit Singh

Salgaocar SC

N. Colaco Salgaocar SC

Mahesh Gawli Dempo SC

Luciano Sobrosa Salgaocar SC

Gurjinder Kumar Pune FC

Francis Fernandes Salgaocar SC

Beto Churchill Bros.

Penn Orji East Bengal

Clifford Miranda Dempo SC

Do you agree with the choices of our correspondents? Any name in particular we may have missed out on? Let us know your views by leaving a comment below

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