ISL 2022-23 Playoffs: Five players to watch out for

These individuals will be the ones to keep an eye on for the semi-finals.

The Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) season is in the last stages after a gruelling campaign. The knockout fixtures are over and with that, the line-up for the semi-finals is complete. Bengaluru FC are set to play ISL Shield holders Mumbai City while reigning ISL Trophy winners Hyderabad FC will come up against ATK Mohun Bagan.

There are sensational players in all four remaining teams in the league competition. Be it a domestic figure or a foreign, the players in either of the four clubs hold the ability to impact a football game on their own.

As the excitement builds ahead of the crucial two-legged semi-finals and a final after that, football fans will be looking at the following five players who could play crucial roles for their respective teams. Here are the five best players to look forward to in the ISL 2022-23 playoffs:

Dimitri Petratos (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Dimitri Petratos is the in-form player from ATK Mohun Bagan who can hurt Hyderabad FC if they allow him space. The striker takes the corners and has the knack of delivering pinpoint crosses from free-kick situations too. His confidence levels are extremely high right now, especially after scoring in the knockout fixture against Odisha FC.

He has an attacking contribution in each of his last three games (two goals, one assist) and will be the main source of threat in ATKMB’s line-up. 

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Hyderabad FC will rely on Bartholomew Ogbeche’s magic once again as they gear up to face an in-form ATK Mohun Bagan. The striker has 10 goals and two assists this season and will hope to end it on a positive note by adding a few more attacking returns.

The Nigerian is the all-time leading goal-scorer in the ISL with 63 goals. His experience and composure will be vital for Manolo Marquez’s men ahead of the playoff fixtures.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City)

Jorge Diaz is one of the most successful signings of the ISL 2022-23 season. The striker has been on fire for Mumbai City this term. He has 11 goals and six assists in 18 matches for the Islanders.

The striker scored once and provided one assist in a 4-0 win over Bengaluru FC earlier in the league stage. It will be interesting to see how the Blues plan to stop Diaz from getting on the scoresheet.

Roy Krishna (Bengaluru FC)

Roy Krishna may not be producing the kind of attacking returns fans expect from him but he is still an essential player for Bengaluru FC. The striker found himself in good positions on multiple occasions to find a goal in the knockout fixture against Kerala Blasters.

The striker has five goals and five assists in the ISL 2022-23 campaign. His overall contribution and partnership with Sivasakthi Narayanan can cause huge problems for Mumbai City.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City)

Lallianzuala Chhangte has been the best Indian performer of the ISL 2022-23 season. The winger has 10 goals in 20 appearances, the most by an Indian player in the competition. On top of that, he also has six assists, taking his goal contributions to 16.

Mumbai City will be confident that the 25-year-old attacker can turn up the heat in the semi-final as well. His pace and finishing abilities make him a tricky operator. He will attract a lot of fans who will be rubbing their hands with excitement to watch Chhangte in action.