ISL 2022-23: Hugo Boumous, Mehtab Singh star in Gameweek 4

Each of the five matches played in the past week were closely-fought encounters.

The past gameweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season saw some solid defensive work by the teams. There were narrow wins and matches could have ended in either team’s favour. Odisha FC avenged their Durand Cup loss in a 1-0 victory over Bengaluru FC.

Hyderabad FC ruined the perfect start of FC Goa. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC registered their first win of the season against NorthEast United. And Mumbai City FC maintained their unbeaten run with a comfortable win over Kerala Blasters. 

But the biggest talking point of the gameweek was “The Kolkata Derby” which again ended in the favour of ATK Mohun Bagan. Here is a look at the top performers from the gameweek 4 of the ISL 2022-23 season.

5. Javier Siverio

The Spanish striker led the attack in absence of Bart Ogbeche against the in-form FC Goa. It didn't take time for the Spaniard to find the back of the net, scoring in the 18th minute. The striker had some decent chances later too but his early goal was enough to earn Hyderabad FC a crucial three points.

Javier Siverio also contributed to defence whenever it was possible. On the night he won 10 duels and made two successful tackles. These numbers are hard to find from a striker.

4. Nandhakumar Sekhar

The 26-year-old was the difference between the sides when Odisha FC hosted the Blues to avenge the Durand Cup loss. Nandha attempted three shots and created one big chance in the game. Due to playing two overseas defenders, Josep Gombau was tied to bench Pedro Martin in the important game.

Nandhakumar overperformed on the left wing and can be a season-long reliable option for the Juggernauts. The winger’s defensive soundness and tracking back makes him a safer alternative against stronger opponents. 

3. Mehtab Singh

Mehtab Singh has looked like an improved player from last season. He is already a key piece in the system Des Buckingham wants to play at Mumbai City FC. Singh was at his roaring best against Kerala Blasters. First, he broke the deadlock with a thunderous left foot strike from a corner and almost doubled the lead when his header just went wide and above.

Mehtab has formed a formidable defensive pair with Roston Griffiths. And against Kerala Blasters he was the man leading the backline with four clearances and two blocked shots. 

2. Daniel Chima

Daniel Chima was the target man for Jamshedpur FC last season. But in absence of Greg Stewart and the unavailability of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (JET), he seems to have taken the charge of initiating attacks. The Nigerian forward was behind almost every attack of his team against NorthEast United. He attempted five shots himself, completed two dribbles and created two big chances as well. 

Despite failing to get on the scoresheet, Chukwu was among the impactful players against the Highlanders. The striker was all over the pitch and managed five clearances too. His heavy work rate in the game got him an edge in the list over teammates Peter Hartley and Rehenesh TP.

1. Hugo Boumous

Is it too early to say, Hugo Boumous is back to his best after being a disappointment for the past two seasons. The Moroccan ran the show in the most anticipated match in Indian football in front of a 62000+ crowd. Boumous created six big chances in the game and was unplayable for East Bengal defenders.

If his teammates were less wasteful, ATK Mohun Bagan would have scored more goals in the derby. Hugo opened the scoring after a goalless first half and since then constantly threatened the Bengal defence lines. It was a complete performance from the number 10 and that makes him the best performer of the week on our list.