Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) have etched their name into the history books, becoming the first club to successfully defend the ISL Shield. It has been one of the most remarkable seasons the club have ever witnessed, showcasing an exceptional level of consistency and dominance. What makes this achievement even more special is the collective effort of the entire squad, which played a crucial role in defending the prestigious ISL silverware. Whether it was the starters or the impact players coming off the bench, Jose Molina’s team was packed with match-winners who stepped up when it mattered most.
While it is difficult to single out just five standout performers from a team that has thrived on collective brilliance, it would still be fair to highlight the contributions of a few players whose consistently impressive displays powered Mohun Bagan’s success this season.
Subhasish Bose
The local boy will remember this as the season of his life. With six goals to his name, he has set the record for the most goals scored by a defender in a single ISL season. As a full-back, registering six goals and an assist while being a lethal presence on set pieces is a rare feat in the league. Defensively, Bose has been equally solid, recording seven interceptions in a single match against Hyderabad FC—a league-high for the 2024-25 season. He has also won the fourth-most tackles (39) and recorded the second-most interceptions (43) in the league. His stellar performances have earned him a spot on the shortlist for the ISL Golden Ball. With two group-stage matches and the playoffs still to come, he could further enhance his tally and cement his place in Mohun Bagan’s history.
Alberto Rodriguez
While Subhasish has been outstanding, his Spanish teammate Alberto Rodriguez has been equally impressive. The central defender has found the back of the net five times, with four of those goals coming from corners—showcasing Mohun Bagan’s efficiency in set-piece situations. Rodriguez stands as one of the team’s top scorers, trailing only Jamie Maclaren, who has netted 10 goals this season.
Rodriguez’s strength and well-timed movements have made him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. Meanwhile, Tom Aldred, a new addition from the A-League, has also contributed two goals and leads Mohun Bagan in defensive blocks this season with 13.
Jamie Maclaren
The five-time A-League Golden Boot winner arrived at Mohun Bagan with high expectations. Though he had a slow start, he gradually found his rhythm, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists so far. Notably, he has netted three times in the Kolkata Derby, proving his ability to rise to the occasion.
Maclaren’s positioning inside the box and his clinical finishing sets him apart from other forwards. While strikers are often praised solely for their goal-scoring ability, Maclaren deserves recognition for his defensive contributions as well. In Molina’s system, attackers play a crucial role in pressing the opposition’s backline, and Maclaren has excelled in this aspect, winning 27 duels and making 23 ball recoveries.
Greg Stewart
Often regarded as the Pied Piper of the team, Stewart has been the creative force in midfield, orchestrating attacks with his vision and technical brilliance. Despite an injury-interrupted season, the Scottish playmaker has managed to score two goals and provide five assists in 16 appearances.
Stewart has created 34 chances and delivered 29 key passes, adding an extra edge to Mohun Bagan’s attacking play whenever he has been on the field. His presence in midfield has provided the team with a much-needed creative spark, making him an invaluable asset.
Apuia
While most ISL teams rely on foreign midfielders in crucial defensive or central midfield roles, Mohun Bagan entrusted Apuia with the job, and the Mizoram-born midfielder has passed the test with flying colours. He has been the team’s engine, linking up play from defence to attack seamlessly.
Apuia has recorded 746 passes in 19 appearances, boasting an 83% passing accuracy. His defensive contributions have been equally noteworthy, with 118 recoveries, 30 interceptions, and 15 clearances—making him one of the most reliable midfielders in the league.
The Supporting Cast
Alongside these standout performers, the contributions of Vishal Kaith, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, and Dimitrios Petratos cannot be overlooked. While identifying the top five players from most teams is relatively easy, it is a challenging task when it comes to Mohun Bagan. This depth in quality is what sets the team apart and makes them the deserving ISL Shield winners once again.
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