With the international break starting, QSL online has decided to have a look at some of the defenders who have impressed at the start of the 2016/2017 QSL season. All of the statistics used in the story have been supplied by the Stats Company, the QSL’s official statistical partner.

Al Ahli central defender Fred Debanka has enjoyed a solid start to the season. So far the no nonsense defender has won the ball off the opponent an impressive 144 times, the highest figure in the league. Debanka’s assured performances at the back certainly explains  Ahli’s upturn in fortunes this season, including an impressive derby showing against Al Arabi, where they won 2-1. Likewise the figure of 103 interceptions highlights the importance of Debanka to Yusef Adam’s side.

Debanka is also joined by team-mate Sayed Adnan in our run down of standout QSL defenders. The former Al Arabi defender was a late summer signing for Ahli, however it hasn’t taken long for Adnan to adapt to the QSL. 140 tackles in just five games highlights his eye for reading the game, along with 112 interceptions shows how well Ahli have brought in signing the Bahraini international.

Al Rayyan defender Gonzalo Viera has followed up his break out season with the Lions, with another strong opening to the 2016/2017 season. The reigning QSL champions have only conceded four goals this season in six games, and the Uruguayan has been central to this success. 111 pass interceptions and winning the ball in the tackle 143 times in six games underlines the hard work Viera puts in for his side.

Al Arabi captain Boualem Khoukhi has lead by his example at the start of the season, even if his side has struggled at times in the opening six games. The Qatar international has made the second most interceptions in the league at 119 from the opening games of the season. Khoukhi has also won the ball off the opponent on 140 occasions, the third highest tally in the league so far. Al Arabi will be hoping for more assured performances from their leader over the course of the season.

Finally Al Kharaitiyat defender Mohammed Abdurahman completes our list of defenders who have delivered from the opening six games of the QSL season. The Thunders have struggled this season, and are currently in twelfth place in the QSL standings. Despite this, Abdurahman has led the way defensively for his side. The young defender leads the way with the most interceptions in the league with 124 from six games. Whilst Abdurahman has also won the ball for his side on 136 occasions underlinining his importance for the Thunders relegation fight this term.