ISL 2024-25: Sunil Chhetri & Noah Sadaoui lead Team of the Month for September

A majority of the players belong to Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC.

The eleventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is up and running. It has been an entertaining start to the league with all teams going toe-to-toe against each other. With more teams and more matches, it looks like the most competitive season of the ISL till date. All the teams have managed to get at least a point in the opening month of the league except for East Bengal who sit at the bottom of the table.

Interestingly, the Torchbearers have parted ways with head coach Carles Cuadrat in the first month after their dismal start to the league campaign with three back-to-back losses. Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC are off to a perfect start having picked up three out of three wins.

ISL debutants Mohammedan SC have also impressed so far and have racked up four points. Six teams are level on four points while Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC have struggled to find a good start to the season. Hyderabad FC on the other hand, have somehow managed to get their first point of the season.

On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team of the month for September.

Formation: 3-5-2

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Gurpreet has been the best goalkeeper in the league so far. He has given Bengaluru FC the perfect start and has not let anyone score past him in the first three gameweeks. The Indian international is the only goalkeeper to have not conceded a single goal so far and has kept three clean sheets while making ten crucial saves.

RCB – Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

Nikhil Poojary has also been one of the standout performers in the league this season. The right-back has grown leaps and bounds and has put in consistent performances on either end of the pitch. Poojary has made numerous important tackles and blocks at the back while providing an assist up front. Moreover, he has completed 80% of his attempted dribbles.

CB – Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Rahul Bheke’s return to Bengaluru FC has turned out to be a jackpot move for the Blues. Bheke has come in and has added a flavor of solidity and rigidity at the back. Bengaluru FC have not conceded a single goal this season and Bheke has played a huge part in it. He has maintained a good passing accuracy while winning 100% of his tackles.

LCB – Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC)

The Manipur-born defender has turned out to be a vital cog in Punjab FC’s dream start this season. The 19-year-old has shouldered his defensive duties really well and has repaid the manager’s faith. He has come up through the ranks and has cemented his place in the backline with back-to-back consistent performances.

RM – Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

Jithin has been one of the most improved players since the turn of the year and has dropped in consistent performances for NorthEast United FC. He has brought his exhilarating form into the ISL following his title-winning heroics in the Durand Cup. His pace and quick decision-making abilities have come in handy for the Highlanders. He has created a lot of chances and also has an assist to his name.

CM – Filip Mrzljak (Punjab FC)

Filip Mrzljak has been one of the most consistent players for Punjab FC this season. He has stepped up to the occasion really well and has not let Punjab FC feel the absence of Luka Majcen. The Croatian midfielder is known for his positioning and active participation in attack. With two goals and an assist, he is Punjab FC’s highest goal contributor this season.

ALSO READ: Punjab FC’s Nikhil Prabhu on recent form, potential Indian team call-up, ISL hopes & more

CDM – Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

Nikhil Prabhu is one of the most versatile players that the league has witnessed this season. He has operated as a central defensive midfielder, snuffing out fires all over the field, turning over possession, and also orchestrated attacks as a deep-lying playmaker. Nikhil has been one of the most consistent performers in the league since last season. His ball distribution coupled with his positioning and defensive attributes make him one of the best Indian midfielders in the league. 

CM – Borja Herrera (FC Goa)

The Spaniard made it to the headlines by scoring the first hat trick of the season and earning all three points for his side. He scored the tenth hat trick for FC Goa in eleven ISL seasons. Borja’s creativity and his ability to make things happen make him FC Goa’s most dependable player. His commanding presence in the middle of the park and understanding of the game have fueled the Gaurs’ playing style.

LM – Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters)

Noah has hit the ground running ever since his move to God’s own country. He has been a livewire on the wings for Kerala Blasters FC and has put in some jaw-dropping performances so far. His high pressing, long rangers, and creativity make him one of the most lethal players in the league. The 31-year-old has been bursting out skills from his five-star locker and has rescued four points for his side with two goals. 

ALSO READ: ISL: Only players to score in first three consecutive games of debut season

ST – Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

The Blues’ captain and Indian footballing legend, Sunil Chhetri, seems to be enjoying life in a new look Bengaluru FC. The skipper has looked more composed and raring to go this season. Chhetri has scored three goals in as many games and is the league’s highest-ever goalscorer. He has not shown any signs of slowing down with three goals this month, aging like fine wine and showing the world that he still has a lot left in him.

ST – Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United’s latest import has come in and become an instant fan favourite. The Moroccan forward is flawless to the core and has dropped in back-to-back outstanding performances. With three goals and an assist, Alaeddine has the most number of goal contributions in the league so far as he has also gotten his name on a unique record held by only one other player apart from him. Moreover, he is the only player to have scored in every game he has played in the ISL 2024-25.

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