5.Mailson Alves:
Mailson arrived on the Indian shores in 2015 with Chennayin FC and made 12 appearances and in the following season with North East United made 9 appearances. Though he showed his quality as a versatile defender who was comfortable defending deep and leading the backline but was equally dynamic going forward and providing aerial threats from set pieces.
Mailson returned to Chennayin FC in 2017-18 and had a remarkable season helping Chennayin FC win the Hero ISL scoring two crucial goals in the final.Mailson had a vital 2017-18 season playing 19 matches and scoring 4 crucial goals including two towering headers in the ISL Final against Bengaluru FC.
Mailson was exceptional in Chennaiyin’s turnaround building a formidable defensive formation with Inigo Calderon to power Chennaiyin’s midseason resurgence.With 53 tackles,19 interceptions,163 clearances and 30 blocks Mailson proved to be immensely effective in guarding the Chennayin defence as well as pushing forward and scoring four crucial goals for his team when needed.