ISL 2023-24: Gameweek 5 Team of the Week

The line-up consists of three players from Chennaiyin FC & Mumbai City FC

The Indian Super League 2023-24 season is heating up with every passing game week. In the past round of matches, plenty of exciting contests took place that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

From foreign players playing pivotal roles for their respective clubs to domestic footballers impressing with their determination and unwavering will, there were several praiseworthy individual performances that made the fans quite happy. Indian players in particular gave a good account of themselves, indicating that domestic talents can make a huge difference as well.

As another ISL game week comes to an end, here is a look at Khel Now’s Team of the Week for game week 5:

Formation (4-1-4-1)

GK - Sachin Suresh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Sachin Suresh made a huge difference in the game between Kerala Blasters FC vs Odisha FC. The custodian saved a penalty kick from Diego Mauricio and then the rebound as well which allowed the Yellow Army to make a comeback and win by a 2-1 scoreline in the end.

RB - Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City FC)

Rahul Bheke delivered a spirited performance for Mumbai City FC against Hyderabad FC. Having to play with 10 men for the majority of the game added pressure on the MCFC backline but the defender did his duties well and was unlucky to not keep a clean sheet following a late equaliser by HFC.

CB - Michel Zabaco (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC scored two late goals to turn things around in their contest versus Jamshedpur FC. The 2-1 comeback win was made possible by Michel Zabaco’s equaliser in the 94th minute. 

CB - Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

FC Goa kept a clean sheet for the first time in its history at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru in the past game week. The goalless draw between the Gaurs and the Blues was only possible due to a sensational performance by a former BFC player, Sandesh Jhingan. He won 100% of his ground duels and kept the BFC attackers at bay.

LB - Jay Gupta (FC Goa)

Jay Gupta was a man on a mission to keep Bengaluru FC attackers away from his goal. He fought for every ball to help FCG keep a clean sheet against BFC. In addition to his defensive work, Gupta also made attacking in-roads, delivering six crosses and having four shots on target.

CM - Apuia (Mumbai City FC)

Apuia deserves a place on the Team of the Week due to his industrious performance for Mumbai City FC against Hyderabad FC. He won nine ground duels during the game and covered every inch of the pitch to help MCFC which was playing with one less player on the field.

RW - Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Connor Shields played on the right side and kept rotating with Rahim Ali who was playing as a striker. The tactic worked brilliantly as Shields found himself in scoring positions a lot more. He did not disappoint the CFC fans and scored a brilliant brace to help the Marina Machans secure a 5-1 win over Punjab FC.

LW - Bipin Singh (Mumbai City FC)

Bipin Singh did not start the game for Mumbai City FC but made a strong case for a starting place after coming on as a substitute in the first half. He finished the game with a 93% passing success rate and had a shot on target despite having to do a lot of defensive work for the team.

CAM - Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

Rafael Crivellaro was unstoppable and demolished Punjab FC’s defence with his outstanding technical ability. The attacking midfielder scored a goal and provided two assists in a 5-1 win for Chennaiyin FC over Punjab FC.

CAM - Farukh Choudhary (Chennaiyin FC)

Farukh Choudhary’s movement and technical prowess caused mayhem in Punjab FC’s defence. The midfielder provided a pre-assist for Connor Shields’ first goal of the game and then won a penalty which saw Rafael Crivellaro extend CFC’s lead to three.

ST - Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)

Adrian Luna delivered a mindblowing performance for Kerala Blasters FC against Odisha FC. The skipper of the side scored an outrageous goal from long range which eventually secured three points for the Yellow Army and made the fans erupt with joy.