BFC, HFC players star in ISL 2022-23 Team of the Week for GW19

The players are performing at a high level as the season approaches its end. 

Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) is reaching its business end of the campaign. The league stage is nearing conclusion and will lead to the start of the playoffs. There is intense competition between teams fighting to secure the available top six positions.

In the process of helping their clubs produce wins, the players are delivering high-level performances. In gameweek 19 of the 2022-23 season of the ISL, several memorable performances were displayed in the matches across the division.

Fans got to see their favourite football players light up the stage and help their respective cubs to victory. On that note, here is a look at the Team of the Week from the gameweek 19 of the Indian Super League:

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC had to hold on to their slender lead in order to hand Mumbai City FC its first defeat of the season. The Blues were able to secure a 2-1 win thanks to the efforts of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu between the goalposts. He made five saves to keep MCFC attackers at bay.

Right-back: Nikhil Poojary (Hyderabad FC)

Nikhil Poojary was excellent for Hyderabad FC in their 1-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan. The Mariners have a solid attacking lineup but the likes of Poojary made sure that the Nizams kept a clean sheet and secured three points. The full-back had 73 touches (the most) on the ball for HFC and kept a close watch on ATKMB wingers.

Centre-back: Chinglensana Singh (Hyderabad FC)

Chinglensana Singh returned to playing football after a long spell on the sidelines. His performance against ATK Mohun Bagan made it seem like he never left. He took his place in the lineup and helped HFC secure a 1-0 win over the Mariners. 

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan (Bengaluru FC)

Sandesh Jhigan was sensational for Bengaluru FC in their 2-1 win over Mumbai City FC. The centre-back made a whopping 10 clearances and kept MCFC’s strikers at bay. His performance frustrated Des Buckingham’s men, who ultimately succumbed to their first defeat of the season in the end.

Left-back: Jerry Lalrinzuala (East Bengal)

Jerry Lalrinzuala was one of the shining stars in an exciting 3-3 draw between East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC. He delivered seven crosses and was sharp while in possession. He got an assist as well for his efforts.

Defensive midfielder: Rohit Kumar (Bengaluru FC)

Rohit Kumar’s presence in Bengaluru FC’s midfield is one of the biggest reasons behind their recent success. He was instrumental yet again in helping the club record a 2-1 win over Mumbai City FC. He finished the game with a 93% passing completion rate, two successful tackles, and two blocks. 

Attacking midfielder: Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

Javi Hernandez delivered his best performance of the season to help Bengaluru FC win its seventh match in a row. He provided the assist for the first goal and scored the second with a sensational finish into the top corner to hand MCFC the defeat. The midfielder was the Man of the Match winner.

Right winger: Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters)

Adrian Luna’s performances for Kerala Blasters FC in this ISL 2022-23 season have been vital. He was crucial yet again for the team. In the process of winning the Man of the Match award, Luna scored a goal and provided an assist in a 2-1 win over Chennaiyin FC. 

Left winger: Rahul KP (Kerala Blasters)

Kerala Blasters FC’s exciting winger Rahul KP was on target for the club in the 2-1 win over Chennaiyin FC. He scored the winning goal for the Yellow Army after getting on the end of a cross by Adrian Luna and finishing with precision. 

Striker: Cleiton Silva (East Bengal)

Cleiton Silva is a one-man army in the East Bengal FC line-up. He scored a brace in the 3-3 draw with NorthEast United FC to take his goals tally to 12 for the season. Although he could not guide his team to a win, Silva won the Man of the Match award.

Striker: Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Bartholomew Ogbeche scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win for Hyderabad FC over ATK Mohun Bagan. The experienced Nigerian striker came on from the bench to be the difference-maker in a close contest. He won the Man of the Match award after helping the Nizams secure second place in the ISL 2022-23 table.