ISL 2024-25: Top five Indian players from Matchweek 5

Featuring the best players who balled out for their teams in ISL.

The 11th edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been delivering on a week-to-week basis and lived up to expectations in matchweek 5. Wilmar Jordan Gil’s brace against NorthEast United ended up in vain against a resolute Chennaiyin FC who walked out winners in a 3-2 game.

Despite being down to 10 men, Bengaluru FC held on to grab all three points in a 1-0 win against Punjab FC. At the Fatorda Stadium, defending champions Mumbai City FC stood firm in all hopes of an FC Goa comeback as they walked out 2-1 winners on the night.

The game of the week was at the Salt Lake Stadium where it was Mohun Bagan FC, who reigned supreme in the Kolkata Derby as they beat East Bengal to record a 2-0 victory. Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters FC also recorded important wins in matchweek five and improved their positions in the table.

Several Indian players again stepped up this week in these games while showing real quality for their sides. Here, we highlight the top five Indian performers from Matchweek 5 of the ISL 2024-25.

5. Mohammed Sanan K (Jamshedpur FC)

The kid from Malappuram was once again a bright spark for Jamshedpur FC in their game against Hyderabad FC. The 20-year-old winger played a crucial role in all of Jamshedpur’s attacks and proved to be the difference on the night. His menacing pace and take-on proved too challenging for Hyderabad defenders as he was influential in Jamshedpur’s goals. 

His cross in the 29th minute and a well-timed through ball in the 44th minute showcase his ability on the ball. His performances in recent weeks will be an encouraging sign for the club as they might have found a mainstay attacker to build on for years to come.

4. Huidrom Naocha Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Naocha Singh has been rock solid in defence and attack for the Tuskers in the ISL 2024-25 season. The marauding left-back harrowed Mohammedan SC defenders all night and his influence ensured the Blasters all three points. The Manipur native made it two assists in four games for the Tuskers following a perfect cross for Jesus Jimenez to net home the winner. 

Mohammedan SC had no answer to tackle Singh’s attacking forays into the attacking third and paid the price in the 75th minute. In a game where the Tuskers saw a lot of the ball, Naocha Singh flourished amongst his fellow teammates. 

Throughout the 90 minutes, he made two successful tackles while only giving away three fouls. The workhorse mentality of Naocha Singh has made him an ever-present name on the Kerala Blasters teamsheet this season. The Manjapada will be hoping that he continues to deliver in the upcoming games as the Tuskers look to achieve big things in the ISL this season.

3. Ramhlunchhunga (Hyderabad FC)

Ramhlunchhunga was possibly one of the few bright spots for Hyderabad FC in their tough loss against Jamshedpur FC. Deployed on the left wing, the Mizo center-forward provided his first assist of the season as Hyderabad pulled a goal back in the 50th minute. The centre forward also kept testing the Jamshedpur defense attempting five shots in the process.

While Hyderabad lost on the night, Ramhlunchhunga delivered an impressive performance at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. It was a spirited performance against a tough opposition, and his performance earned him a deserved spot on this list.

ALSO READ: Hyderabad FC’s Thangboi Singto outlines challenges and probable solutions after Jamshedpur FC loss

2. Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

The signing of Rahul Bheke in the summer has proved to be a masterstroke for Bengaluru FC this season. The 33-year-old defender was rock solid in defence for the Blues. His trademark performance despite being down to 10 men, reminded his doubters of his quality. He has been an ever-present and available defender for coach Gerard Zaragoza as Bengaluru proved their title contention credentials.

The 2024 ISL title-winning defender has cultivated a winning culture within his teammates in an exciting season.

The West Block Blues will be hoping for more of the same as important games remain on their schedule for the regular season. While Bheke is entering his mid-30s, there are no immediate signs of the defender slowing down anytime soon.

1. Naorem Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke’s partner Roshan Singh once again showed his class following a match-winning performance for Bengaluru FC in their crucial encounter against Punjab FC. Roshan’s venomous volley strike in the 43rd minute ensured all three points for the Blues at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday. Apart from his attacking forays in the game, Roshan Singh was a solid defensive presence on the left for the Blues. 

His two tackles highlighted the turnaround for Bengaluru FC this season, who earned a well-deserved three points in an early season top-of-the-table clash. While the Blues suffered on the night being down to 10 men, Roshan Singh’s work rate never put Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu under any pressure.

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