Kerala Blasters players dominate ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for GW12

The footballers displayed brilliant performances and contributed to their team's triumph.

Another splendid week full of great football action in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) ended on Monday, 26 December 2022. The competition is shaping up to be exciting and entertaining. In the past week, Indian football fans saw plenty of eye-catching results in the league.

Among all of the results, the one that caught the eye was NorthEast United finally halting a terrible run of results by defeating the ISL playoff contenders ATK Mohun Bagan. Apart from that, Hyderabad FC recorded an impressive away victory against Bengaluru and Kerala Blasters notched a late goal to secure three points against Odisha FC in their own backyard. 

There were outstanding performances in each fixture that took place in the past week. Looking at the individual displays of the players, here is Khel Now’s ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for Gameweek 12:

Goalkeeper: Mirshad Michu (NorthEast United)

Mirshad Michu was key in helping NorthEast United secure a 1-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan. Keeping a clean sheet against the Mariners who boast one of the strongest attacking units in the league is a massive achievement. The custodian made an incredible eight saves during the game to deny the visitors a goal.

Right-back: Sandeep Singh (Kerala Blasters)

Sandeep Singh’s performances have gradually improved with every game this season. He is a consistent performer and is the reason behind Kerala Blasters winning 1-0 over Odisha FC. The full-back got a late goal and won the Man of the Match award for his match-deciding contribution.

Centre-back: Gaurav Bora (NorthEast United)

The NorthEast United defence was solid against ATK Mohun Bagan and earned a well-deserved clean sheet. Gaurav Bora was the pick of the defenders in the Highlanders’ line-up. He was immense for the team, making six interceptions, two clearances and tackles each, in a fabulous defensive display.

Centre-back: Hormipam Ruivah (Kerala Blasters)

Hormipam Ruivah was excellent for Kerala Blasters in their 1-0 win over Odisha FC. He played a significant role in securing the clean sheet. The talented centre-back made seven interceptions and three clearances, proving to be a brick wall that the Kalinga Warriors could not break.

Left-back: Jessel Carneiro (Kerala Blasters)

Jessel Carneiro was quite adventurous in his performance for Kerala Blasters against Odisha. Apart from doing his defensive duties, the full-back also took three shots on goal out of which one was on target. He also delivered four crosses for his teammates.  

Central midfielder: Borja Herrera (Hyderabad FC)

Playing in a central midfield role for Hyderabad FC, Borja Herrera was key in guiding the team to a 3-0 win away from home against Bengaluru FC. He made two successful tackles, four clearances and two interceptions during the game. Furthermore, his composure on the ball was noteworthy in keeping the game in HFC's control.

Central midfielder: Ivan Kaliuzhnyi (Kerala Blasters)

Ivan Kaliuzhnyi delivered an industrious performance in the midfield for Kerala Blasters. He worked his socks off to make sure the Yellow Army did not concede in the defensive third and initiated turnovers to give his team a fighting edge. He made six successful tackles during the game and also created two scoring chances. 

Right winger: Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Lallianzuala Chhangte’s good form for Mumbai City in ISL 2022-23 continued in the past week as well. The winger scored an outstanding goal in a 2-1 win over his former team, Chennaiyin FC. His fifth goal of the season was scored with a right-footed volley which restored parity between the sides and gave his team momentum in the match. 

Attacking midfielder: Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa) 

Iker Guarrotxena scored thrice in the 2-2 draw with Jamshedpur FC. The Spaniard's first goal came in the form of an own goal. His brace however, was crucial for the Gaurs in securing a point from the match. The midfielder became the club’s joint-top scorer after 11 matches, with five goals, alongside Noah Sadaoui.

Left winger: Bipin Singh (Mumbai City)

Bipin Singh may not have scored but he was a constant menace for Chennaiyin FC defenders. The winger created two good scoring chances and had five shots on goal out of which three were on target. He also made seven crosses during the game.

Striker: Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Bartholomew Ogbeche seemingly scored a brace against Bengaluru FC in a 3-0 win away from home. However, his second goal was later adjudged to be an own goal by Sandesh Jhingan. Regardless, it was vital for HFC that the Nigerian found his goalscoring touch in a season that has been disappointing for him individually. He won the Man of the Match award for his important contribution.