ISL 2023-24: Gameweek 4 Team of the Week

This ISL gameweek witnessed many individual brilliancies!

Judging by the initial contests, the Indian Super League’s 2023-24 season is high on quality and entertainment. The past gameweek was full of high-octane footballing action as the league resumed after the international break in October. Plenty of notable matches took place in the recent round where both domestic and foreign players came forward and made a mark on the proceedings.

Whether it was completing their defensive duties or scoring a goal in the attacking third, a few individuals took matters into their own hands to dig out a positive result for their respective teams. Such figures outperformed their teammates, the opposition players and as a result found themselves in the Team of the Week.

Here is a look at Khel Now's Team of the Week from the ISL 2023-24’s gameweek 4:

GK - Ravi Kumar (Punjab FC)

Ravi Kumar has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the ISL up to this point. The Punjab FC custodian was once again instrumental for his team in securing a draw and keeping a clean-sheet in the process. He made five saves in a decent performance.

RB - Sandeep Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Sandeep Singh was making his first start of the 2023-24 ISL season and impressed the coaching staff with his performance. The full-back worked extremely hard, as he made three clearances, one interception and delivered five crosses in the attacking third. While KBFC failed to win against NEUFC at home, Singh’s performance was a positive takeaway for the side.

CB - Ryan Edwards (Chennaiyin FC)

Ryan Edwards was crucial to Chennaiyin FC securing their first win of the season by defeating Hyderabad FC away from home. The centre-back led the backline expertly and came away with a well-deserved clean-sheet. He made six clearances during the game and did not let any HFC forward enjoy time and space in the goalmouth area.

CB - Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

Sandesh Jhingan was impressive defensively but his most important contribution came in the opposite end of the pitch. The centre-back rose the highest to connect with a Victor Rodriguez cross and score the equaliser for FC Goa which gave the side the momentum to go on and win the game against East Bengal FC by a 2-1 scoreline.

LB - Ricky Lallawmawma (Jamshedpur FC)

Ricky Lallawmawma was quite impressive on the left flank for Jamshedpur FC. The full-back was industrious as he contributed in both attack and defence. He helped shut out Punjab FC and secure a clean-sheet. Furthermore, he delivered six crosses and created two scoring chances during the game.

CM - Danish Farooq (Kerala Blasters FC)

Danish Farooq continued his goal-scoring form for Kerala Blasters FC, as he scored the side’s equaliser against NorthEast United. His goal eventually secured a point for the Yellow Army. He has two goals in four games already and looks to be hungry for more. 

CAM - Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC)

Nestor Albiach showed incredible composure and poise for his goal which gave NorthEast United an early lead against Kerala Blasters FC. The midfielder waltzed past KBFC defenders and finished expertly in the bottom left corner to give his team a chance to win.

CAM - Victor Rodriguez (FC Goa)

Victor Rodriguez was simply marvellous for FC Goa in their 2-1 away win against East Bengal FC. The midfielder provided the assist for the equaliser and scored the winner a minute later to hand all three points to the Gaurs. The best part is, he was a last-minute addition to the XI after Noah Sadaoui suffered an injury.

RW - Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC)

Nandha caused a lot of problems for FC Goa’s defence, particularly in the first half. His pace and direct approach from the flanks created several scoring chances for Carles Cuadrat’s men. He provided the assist for Naorem Mahesh Singh’s goal as well but was unlucky to end up on the losing side.

LW - Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal FC)

The in-form Naorem Mahesh Singh is a deadly player to come up against at this moment. He scored a sublime goal from long-range to give East Bengal the lead against FC Goa. It was unfortunate to see the winger’s efforts go to waste after scoring perhaps the pick of the goals from the past gameweek.

ST - Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Connor Shields was the difference-maker for Chennaiyin FC following his winner against Hyderabad FC. He scored the solitary goal of the game and impressed the fans with his work-rate. Thanks to his overall contribution, Shields was rewarded with the Player of the Match award as well.