Bengaluru, East Bengal, ATKMB players star in ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for GW8

The past week saw sensational individual performances in the league.

The Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) delivered entertainment yet again in the past week’s round of matches. From an outstanding five-goal thriller between Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC to a tight contest between ATK Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC, the league had it all. The 2022-23 season is progressing quickly and football fans in India are witnessing beautiful football one fixture after another.

In the fixtures that took place last week, one also saw several individuals make a mark. They took the matter into their own hands to secure a positive result for their respective teams. Both Indian players and foreigners were impressive, playing key roles for their clubs.

Here is Khel Now’s Team of the Week for the Gameweek 8 in the 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was instrumental for Bengaluru FC in their 2-0 win away from home against FC Goa. To beat the Gaurs in their own backyard is tough. To come away with a clean sheet is even tougher considering the quality of attack at FCG. The custodian made a total of six saves to ensure his team three points.

Right-back: Asish Rai

Asish Rai put in a decent performance against his former side Hyderabad FC. Thanks to his hard work and industrious display, ATK Mohun Bagan was able to shut HFC and emerge as 1-0 winners on the night. The full-back registered two successful tackles, three clearances, two interceptions and two blocks in an impressive performance.

Centre-back: Ivan Gonzalez

Ivan Gonzalez led East Bengal by example and helped the side secure three points in a 3-1 away win over reigning ISL Shield winners Jamshedpur FC. He was exceptional in defence for Stephen Constantine’s men, making three successful tackles, three clearances, five interceptions and four blocks.

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan also deserves credit for helping Bengaluru FC beat FC Goa by a 2-0 scoreline. The defender played a vital role in securing the clean sheet as well. He made a whopping 15 clearances in the game, proving to be a solid figure in BFC’s backline.

Left-back: Subhasish Bose

Subhasish Bose has been in excellent form this season for ATK Mohun Bagan. The full-back won the Man of the Match award during ATKMB’s 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC. He had seven successful tackles in a sublime defensive display against the ambitious HFC wingers.

Right midfielder: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Lallianzuala Chhangte was one of the key performers for Mumbai City in another impressive win. The Highlanders won by 3-1 against a hapless NorthEast United on the road. While Chhangte did not get on the scoresheet, he was brilliant in his overall display, constantly causing trouble to NEUFC's defence. He created two scoring chances and had a shot on target as well.  

Central midfielder: Javi Hernandez

Javi Hernandez won the Man of the Match award in Bengaluru FC’s 2-0 win over FC Goa. It was due to his brace that the Blues were able to win on the road. The Spaniard scored in either half to ensure BFC were the winners at the final whistle. His second of the two goals was particularly impressive on the fast break.

Attacking midfielder: Nasser El Khayati

Abdenasser El Khayati was unlucky to end up on the losing side after scoring an outstanding brace for Chennaiyin FC. The ISL 2022-23 game of 'late goals' saw Odisha FC win 3-2 against the Marina Machans. The midfielder scored one at the hour mark and converted a late penalty to give CFC a good chance to win a point but it was not to be the case.

Central midfielder: Deepak Tangri

Deepak Tangri was essential for ATKMB in winning the midfield battle against Hyderabad FC. He was also good in the second half when the Mariners had to defend for a large period of time with the Nizams pushing for an equaliser. He made seven blocks and kept a close watch on HFC players in the goalmouth area.

Left midfielder: Naorem Mahesh Singh

Naorem delivered perhaps his best performance of the ISL 2022-23 season yet for East Bengal in the past week. He assisted thrice in a 3-1 win over the Men of Steel in their own backyard. He won the Man of the Match award after creating five scoring chances for the team.

Striker: Cleiton Silva

Cleiton Silva is proving to be one of the signings of the season for the Red & Golds. The forward scored a brace for East Bengal in their 3-1 win against Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday. He also had eight shots on goal which suggests that the striker could have had more goals.