ISL 2022-23: Who tops Khel Now’s Power Rankings in Phase 4?

The list is topped by an Indian who is the only Indian to feature on the list.

We are back with the Khel Now Power Rankings. For the last few seasons, we have been successfully identifying the 10 best performers throughout the course of the league campaign through our Power Rankings. This season too, we are doing the same for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season.

You are aware of the rules by now – but here’s a quick brush-up. For every ISL game, our respective correspondents and editors rank the three best-performing players from the match in order. The player ranked at the top of the list is awarded five points, the player finishing second earns three points, and the one at the bottom (third place) is given one point.

These points are carried forward for every player involved in the league, once he’s chosen by our team. Eventually, the total number of points that they accumulate will decide their final position on the leaderboard at the end of the season. The Khel Now Power Rankings will be published in a series of five articles as we have divided the league into five equal phases of 22 games each. This article includes the top-10 rankings after the completion of the penultimate phase of ISL 2022-23.

Note: Phase 4 of the 2022-23 ISL season began on January 6 with NorthEast United FC locking horns with Bengaluru FC. The phase ended on February 4, after the game between Mumbai City FC and Hyderabad FC, the first game of a double-header Saturday.

10. Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC) – 19 points

The only player to feature on the list from the second-placed team Hyderabad FC is Ogbeche. Ogbeche is the highest scorer for his side with seven goals from 16 games. He is having a mixed season in which he is going through scoring streaks as well as dry spells. He scored a hattrick against FC Goa in January. But in his last two games, he has not been able to find the net.

Despite the sporadicity of Ogbeche's this season's form, the ace striker is a vital cog in the system of Manolo Marquez. He is a constant threat to the opponents' defence. With the business end of the league and the knockouts yet to take place, there is no doubt that he will increase his goal tally.

9. Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan) – 20 points

The new Australian headlining the attack of ATK Mohun Bagan is the second player to feature on this list. Petratos has been in scintillating form throughout the league. He has scored seven goals for the Red & Maroons so far in the season. He has already scored a hat trick and a brace this season to make a strong impact on different games. In the other games as well, Petratos has been playing a crucial part in creating good-looking attacking movements.

The form of the Australian has been key for ATK Mohun Bagan to get goals this season. Without the presence of any other foreign striker, Petratos' role is extremely important for the side if it wants to do well in the playoffs.

8. Abdenasser El Khayati (Chennaiyin FC) – 20 points

The Dutch signing of Chennaiyin FC has been nothing short of a revelation for the side. In an otherwise bleak campaign, El Khayati has been a great positive for the side. El Khayati has scored eight goals from nine games including a hattrick against NorthEast United FC. He has been in scintillating form right from the go. Unfortunately, the Dutch striker suffered from an injury that saw him stay out of action for some time. His absence adversely affected the Marina Machans as they lost crucial points during his absence.

7. Dimitrios Diamantakos (Kerala Blasters FC) – 24 points

A very good addition to the Kerala Blasters side, Diamantakos is one of the leading goal-scorers this season with nine goals from 16 games. The striker has gelled well in Vukomanovic's system to replace last season's revelation Alvaro Vazquez. Combining well with Giannou in Kerala's attack, Diamantakos has been causing havoc in opposition penalty boxes in most games. Moreover, his combination with the midfielders of Kerala is also gaining a lot of praise. Going forward, he would be keen to continue his form in the playoff rounds.

6. Hugo Boumous (ATK Mohun Bagan) – 24 points

Hugo Moumous continues to have a good time at ATK Mohun Bagan after a good campaign last year. This year too, he is in top form. In the absence of players like Joni Kauko, Boumous needed to take on some extra responsibilities. He is doing that very well. Boumous is the second-highest goal scorer for his side with four goals from 14 games. He has the same number of assists as well. On the pitch, he is looking sharp, combining well with other midfielders, and making frequent inroads into the penalty box of opponents. It would not be surprising to see him score a few more before the end of the season.

5. Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC) – 24 points

One of the signings of the season, Jorge Pereyra Diaz is making significant attacking contributions in almost every game of Mumbai City FC. He is one of the joint-highest scorers in the league with 10 goals from 16 games. he has made six assists too, taking his total goal contributions to 16. Diaz has been a big reason for Mumbai's to date unbeaten run in the league. He is their primary target man who seems to score at will. He has been looking threatening in almost every game. In the remaining part of the league, his performance will greatly help Mumbai to achieve their goals.

4. Noah Sadaoui (FC Goa) – 25 points

We have another new entrant to the league featured in this list. Noah Sadaoui of FC Goa has impressed in his first season in India. With six goals and seven assists to his name, Noah is one of the performers of the season. His count of seven assists is one of the joint-highest. Noah's first season in India will be remembered for exquisite touches, strong runs, good trickery on the wings, and, most importantly, crucial goals. In addition to his individual good performance, his combination with Guarrotxena is proving to be highly productive for the Gaurs.

3. Cleiton Silva (East Bengal) – 25 points

The only player to feature on this list from one of the bottom-placed teams is Cleiton Silva. In an underwhelming season for the Red & Golds, Cleiton Silva has been a significant bright spot. He is one of the joint-highest goal scorers in the league with 10 goals from 16 games. This is a big feat playing for East Bengal as the team does not create many chances in a game. Hence, it can be said that he is East Bengal's best player this season. Throughout the season, he has looked hungry and threatening and has scored a few spectacular goals.

2. Greg Stewart (Mumbai City) – 25 points

Greg Stewart is one of the strongest contenders to be named the player of the season at the end of the ongoing season. He has made 12 goal contributions this season with five goals and seven assists, the joint-highest in the latter. One of the vital clogs in Buckingham's system, Greg Stewart has played a big role in the outstanding performance of Mumbai City. He is functioning as the fulcrum of Mumbai's midfield and consistently making significant contributions in almost every game. Stewart will need to continue his form in the upcoming fixtures if Mumbai aspires to win silverware at the end.

1. Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City) – 28 points

The pole position is occupied by another Mumbai City FC player, Lallianzuala Chhangte. It has been the season of Lallianzuala Chhangte. With only a fifth of the league remaining, he is topping our power rankings list. Currently, Chhangte has nine goals from 17 games, only one goal behind being one of the highest scorers. Definitely, joining Mumbai City was one of the wisest decisions for the winger from Mizoram. Apart from nine goals, the ace winger has made five assists, taking his total goal contributions to 14. He has been devastating opponents' defences right from the days of the Durand Cup. If he can continue his momentum till the end, it will not be surprising to see an Indian winning the Golden Boot.