No, we aren’t kidding! Three of the players are central defenders, with the fourth, a fullback. Though it has taken a while to happen, all but one, Kodo of the All Black, finally get rewarded for their consistency so far.
Since returning to the Bet9jaSociaLiga from a long-term suspension, the Saints defender has been quite indeed a Clever addition to the team following a series of brilliant displays that have helped the Army return to possibly where they belong – the top of the log.
Of his performances so far, MD4 proved to be when Clever Orlu showed exactly the quality he brings to the Saints side as he helped them claim four (4) points from a possible six (6).
Clever’s overlapping runs from right-back were a thing of joy and became a veritable outlet for the Saints, especially in their first game against Raineri.
He didn’t register an assist or score a goal but that was really not of his making, as the effort was obviously there.
Orlu delivered a balanced performance creating four (4) chances, four key passes – one of which was a superb cross which went begging. He also took care of business in the defensive third with two interceptions, and three (3) tackles leading to a clean sheet.
Obviously, when the Saints faced the Citizens and Royals on MD5 and MD6 respectively, Clever helped them to two wins, keeping another clean sheet against the Citizens.
After some near-misses, Praiz is finally in the SociaLiga Fourmidables after a remarkable man of the match display against a very difficult Alimosho side on SociaLigaMD4.
The utility man was everywhere for the BulletBoys in their game against the Herd, a performance that was quite typical of the defender as he single-handedly snuffed out three very good scoring opportunities for Alimosho.
That is not all, Praiz, whose experience as an attacking fullback came to bear in a central role, was not just a sweeper for Guns, playing the ball out from the back with panache to initiate attacks but was seen constantly dictating and controlling proceedings for his side in midfield. His reward? A clean sheet!
On SociaLigaMD5, Praiz had his hands full when Guns came up against one of two hitherto unbeaten teams in the league, the Royals.
While Praiz was unable to stop his team from conceding two goals against the Royalties, he did show once again why he has been one of the players of the season for his club, Guns.
While Clever and Praiz have been rewarded for their consistency over time, the next two Fourmidables, Gbenga Balogun and Kodo, make the list based on their brilliant performances on SociaLigaMD6.
As his surname implies, this lion roared his team to victory on SociaLigaMD6 against Raineri football club.
The no-nonsense center half netted a brace, one of which was a towering header as the champions, Dannaz, saw off the Ghosts in a very tense affair.
Defensively, Balogun was not found wanting, despite the fact the Ghosts denied him and the Cedars a clean. He did very well, winning most of his individual duels and was deservedly declared man of the match for the game.
A completed performance from Balogun, and his boss Danny Nazzal will surely look forward to more of the same.
Kodo is another man of the match winner from SociaLigaMD6 on the Fourmidables list. Surely, it does come as a surprise to you to see an All Black defender on the list.
But this player-coach who has been out injured for his team was impressive in their loss to Alimosho at CIS on MD6.
The Black Panthers were trailing 2-0 when Kodo came on to show his boys exactly how to defend.
He was a wall at the back and led the Panthers to what was easily their best defensive performance this season as they attempted an unlikely comeback before eventually losing 2-1.
Kodo brought much needed leadership at the back for the Panthers, with his calmness and composure on the ball also allowing them build play from the back.