Hyderabad, East Bengal players star in ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for GW18

The past week delivered a lot of entertainment thanks to players putting in decent shifts for their teams.

The Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) season is approaching its business end. With every passing game week, the fixtures are becoming extremely competitive. The previous week’s performance by the clubs and the players was worth applauding and the fans enjoyed watching their favourite players in action.

The race for playoffs is intensifying. Every player is looking at the last few games as a chance to impress and help the club achieve their objectives. There were several notable individual performances in the league. 

Looking at the past week's action, here is the ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week from gameweek 18 set in 4-2-1-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Gurmeet Singh (Hyderabad FC)

Gurmeet Singh was unlucky to lose a clean sheet against Mumbai City FC. The only goal he conceded was through a penalty from Jorge Diaz. At a crucial stage of the game, Singh made a save from point-blank range to deny a certain winning goal from Greg Stewart.

Right-back: Mohamad Rakip (East Bengal)

Mohamad Rakip entered the fray for East Bengal FC against Kerala Blasters FC as a first-half substitute. The defender justified his head coach’s decision and delivered a strong performance. He made five clearances, four blocks and two successful tackles during the game that saw the Kolkata-based club win the game 1-0.

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan (Bengaluru FC)

Sandesh Jhingan’s consistency was on display yet again. The centre-back continued to impress, helping Bengaluru FC win 2-1 against ATK Mohun Bagan on the road. He made 11 clearances in the match and two interceptions on top of it.

Centre-back: Sarthak Golui (East Bengal)

Sarthak Golui was one of the best performers for East Bengal FC in their impressive 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC. The centre-back made nine clearances, thwarting everything KBFC had to throw at the EBFC defence. His performance was crucial in securing the clean sheet.

Left-back: Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC)

Akash Mishra worked extremely hard on the left flank to help HFC earn a well-deserved point against league leaders MCFC. His duel with Lallianzuala Chhangte was extremely entertaining to watch. The full-back had 70 touches on the ball and attempted nine tackles during the game.

Central midfielder: Hitesh Sharma (Hyderabad FC)

Hitesh Sharma scored his first-ever Indian Super League goal in the past week. The midfielder produced an incredible performance in a crucial fixture against Mumbai City FC. Hardly anyone expected Sharma to score in a game that had plenty of prolific goalscorers.

Central midfielder: Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

Javi Hernandez found himself on the scoresheet and helped Bengaluru FC secure a 2-1 win over ATK Mohun Bagan. The midfielder scored with a volley and gave BFC the lead in the second half. He won the Man of the Match award for a brilliant outing.

Attacking midfielder: Nasser El Khayati (Chennaiyin FC)

Abdenasser El Khayati scored his eighth goal of the season in nine appearances. His contribution was crucial in helping Chennaiyin FC earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Odisha FC. He had six attempts on goal during the game and was unlucky to score only once.

Right winger: Manvir Singh (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Manvir Singh was one of the best Indian performers in the ISL from the past week. He made an assist and created three scoring chances for his teammates during a 2-1 defeat against Bengaluru FC. It was unfortunate to see him on the losing side in the end.

Left winger: Isak Vanlalruatfela (Odisha FC)

Isak Vanlalruatfela was the winner of the Man of the Match award in the 2-2 draw between Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC. The winger gave his team the lead for the second time in the game, giving them a chance to go for three points. Apart from the goal, he also made an assist for the opening goal from Diego Mauricio.

Striker: Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton Silva scored his 10th goal of the season in the past week. He is now at the top of the scoring charts alongside Iker Guarrotxena and Jorge Diaz in the race for the golden boot. His goal was the difference maker between East Bengal FC and Kerala Blasters FC.