ISL 2023-24: Gameweek 1 Team of the Week

Some debutants and young prodigies soared high in ISL 2023-24 Gameweek 1.

The first game week of the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season was filled with thrills and spills as teams looked to entertain fans with some exciting football. We got an early look at the possible title challengers for this season and which teams probably need to improve aspects of their game to start soaring.

With that being said, some players began the season on a high note with some amazing performances for their teams in the opening week. Be it with their key contribution in goals or helping their side control games, certain players really made their mark with their encouraging displays. With that being said, let’s look at the ISL 2023-24 gameweek 1 team of the week.

Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh (Jamshedpur FC)

TP Rehenesh ensured that Jamshedpur FC were able to salvage a point from their trip to Kolkata. He excelled against his former side East Bengal, being an extremely sharp figure in the goal. Rehenesh made three saves, including a few really important ones in the first half to keep his side alive. In doing so, he earned a well-deserved clean-sheet to begin the campaign positively.

Right-Back: Prabir Das (Kerala Blasters)

In his first game against his former side Bengaluru FC, Prabir Das made them regret their decision to let him leave. Das was a hard-working, gritty figure on the right for Kerala Blasters – making tireless runs all through the game. He was really efficient defensively, making five clearances and two interceptions to frustrate the Blues. In doing so, he helped Kerala get a hard-fought win over Bengaluru and earn revenge for what happened last season.

Centre-Back: Anwar Ali (Mohun Bagan)

Anwar Ali is proving to be one of Mohun Bagan's best summer signings as he produced another admirable effort against Punjab FC. He helped hold together a sturdy backline for the Mariners and was very proactive in cutting out danger. Ali made five clearances and two tackles in a solid defensive outing, as well as creating a chance from his 53 successful passes in an impressive display.

Centre-Back: Elsinho (Jamshedpur FC)

In his ISL debut, Elsinho proved why Jamshedpur have taken the right gamble in signing him. The 32-year-old centre-back withstood the pressure of the East Bengal frontline admirably well. He neutralized Javier Siverio’s threat impressively and cut out a lot of their chances. With a whopping 11 clearances, Elsinho was everywhere in his backline to frustrate the hosts and help his side gain a valuable point.

Left-Back: Jerry Lalrinzuala (Odisha FC)

Jerry Lalrinzuala seems to have won over Sergio Lobera's confidence and had a pretty solid outing against former side Chennaiyin FC. The left-back was a proactive figure on his side, cutting down Chennaiyin’s threat and being smart with his work. He helped his side get a valuable clean-sheet and a compelling win to start the season.

Centre Midfield: Danish Farooq (Kerala Blasters)

Danish Farooq was another player to kick-start the campaign with a win over his former side. He showcased admirable energy and work ethic to help Kerala Blasters grind through an important win over their rivals. Farooq was a vibrant figure in midfield, making four tackles and winning a lot of key duels. He used his imposing figure to trouble the Bengaluru FC players and neutralized their flow through the midfield.

Centre Midfield: Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan)

After being signed by Mohun Bagan for big money in the summer, Sahal Abdul Samad is proving his quality at the club. The India international was at his menacing best against Punjab FC in his ISL debut for the Mariners. He assisted Jason Cummings’ opener and created a few nice opportunities too. Sahal was a hard-working figure throughout the game, with his clever movement and link-up play helping open things up in the attack.

Right-Wing: Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio might’ve started the Chennaiyin FC game from the bench, but definitely came up with the goods in the second half. After coming on, Mauricio tormented the Chennaiyin backline with his clever movement and scored just five minutes after his substitution. He was a menacing figure with his work in the final third and helped seal an important win for the Juggernauts.

Attacking-Midfield: Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan)

Dimitri Petratos started the 2023-24 ISL season like he finished the previous one – with a bang! The Australian forward has more freedom in this current set-up thanks to Jason Cummings’ involvement and he run riot on Punjab FC with his unpredictable work. Petratos scored an impressive goal to finish off a brilliant move and also set up the goal for Manvir Singh. He was a threat from set-pieces and his crosses, making a statement of how he intends to dominate this ISL season too.

Left-Wing: Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United)

Despite being placed in a difficult situation against a menacing Mumbai City backline, Parthib Gogoi thrived under the pressure. The young forward scored a superb goal against the Islanders, justying his coach’s faith in him to lead the line. Gogoi was a threat with his movement and link-up play, producing a bright performance against the defending ISL champions in a losing effort.

Centre-Forward: Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)

Jorge Pereyra Diaz proved why Mumbai City were right to trust him to lead their line once again this season in the win over NorthEast United. The wily forward was extremely clinical against the Highlanders, scoring two decisive goals to win the game for his side. Diaz’s movement and general finishing prove that he’ll be a big threat against any side and a prime candidate for the Golden Boot award.