ISL 2024-25: Albino Gomes, Alberto Rodriguez highlight Matchweek 14 Team of the Week defense

Many Indian players impressed in the ISL gameweek 14.

The Indian Super League (ISL) wrapped up its Gameweek 14 as we bid goodbye to 2024. The first game witnessed Mohun Bagan come back from behind to secure all three points against Punjab FC before Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC played out an entertaining goalless draw in Kolkata. East Bengal shared spoils with Hyderabad away from home.

Bengaluru FC ran riot against Chennaiyin FC away from home and secured a crucial away victory. Jamshedpur FC returned to winning ways with an inspiring performance against the Kerala Blasters. NorthEast United FC pulled off their first win against Mumbai City FC away from home since 2019 with a 0-3 rampage in the final game of 2024.

On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team of the week for game week 14.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Albino Gomes (Jamshedpur FC)

Albino Gomes was the best goalkeeper this week. He managed to keep a clean sheet against a highly capable Kerala Blasters attacking unit. He was at the top of his game and stopped everything that came his way. Gomes’ heroics under the bar led Jamshedpur FC to a much-needed win. He pulled off four saves, including three from inside the box and made two high claims alongside three clearances.

RB – Nikhil Barla (Jamshedpur FC)

Nikhil Barla put up an inspiring display at the right-back position for Jamshedpur FC. He made bombing runs forward and made notable contributions on both ends of the pitch. Barla had eight tackles, five interceptions and two clearances. He went toe-to-toe against Noah Sadaoui and did not let them have a go at him. Moreover, he won 8/9 ground duels as well.

CB – Alberto Rodriguez (Mohun Bagan SG)

Albert Rogriguez had a wonderful outing this week. He was involved in the thick of things and led Mohun Bagan to a huge comeback win against Punjab FC. The Spanish defender scored twice and inspired his side to a 1-3 victory in New Delhi. He maintained a passing accuracy of 88%. Additionally, he made three interceptions and two clearances while winning the majority of his aerial duels. 

CB – Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United FC)

Asheer Akhtar stood tall at the back and helped NorthEast United FC secure a crucial win away from Mumbai City FC. The defender absorbed all the pressure that the Islanders threw at him and neutralized the danger caused by them. Akhtar made 13 clearances, the most by any defender this week and also pulled off an interception while winning all of his aerial duels.

LB – Manoj Mohammed (Hyderabad FC)

Manoj Mohammed dropped in a really good shift at the left-back position for Hyderabad FC and helped his team avoid a defeat against East Bengal. The left-back scored a late equalizer and rescued one point for the Nizams in their final game of 2024. In addition to a goal, Manoj also made three clearances, one interception and one key pass each with a passing precision of 86%.

RM – Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Ryan Williams was on fire this week. Williams put in a 10/10 performance and spurred Bengaluru FC to an emphatic win against Chennaiyin FC away from home and secured all three points. The winger from down under scored the opening goal and then scored the winning goal towards the end and turned the game on its head. Moreover, he also racked up an assist in the process.

CM – Jeakson Singh (East Bengal FC)

Jeakson Singh looked really good in the middle of the park for East Bengal. He was solid and maintained his shape and composure. Jeakson pulled the strings well and also found the back of the net. Singh completed 80% of his passes while winning the majority of his ground duels. He also made two blocks and tackled each alongside one clearance. 

CM – Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan SG) 

Anirudh Thapa put in his best performance of the season for Mohun Bagan in this week’s opener against Punjab FC. Thapa rolled back the magical years with his sublime performance in the middle and reminded everyone what he brings to the table. He executed two key passes and racked up an assist in the process while maintaining an accuracy of 76%. He also made three tackles, two clearances, one interception and one block each.

LM – Macarton Louis Nickson (NorthEast United FC)

Macarton was one of the most impressive Indian players on the pitch this season. He put together a remarkable shift on the flanks and was a livewire throughout the game. The youngster caused a lot of problems for Mumbai City FC with his trickery and smart moves on the mat. He scored a goal and also assisted one as the Highlanders wrapped up a huge win. Moreover, he made three tackles and won ⅘ of his ground duels.

ST – Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Alaeddine Ajaraie continues to be the savior for NorthEast United as he pulled off his fourth brace of the season. The Moroccan superstar added two more goals to his tally as strengthened his credentials in the race for the Golden Boot. Ajaraie scored the fastest goal of the season with just 46 seconds on the clock before adding another goal to become NorthEast United’s record all-time goalscorer in the process. 

ST – Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Bengaluru FC)

Jorge Preryra Diaz put together an influential performance up front for Bengaluru FC and guided them to a much-needed win against Chennaiyin FC on the road. Diaz executed three key passes to perfection and notched up two assists. He also made two clearances and maintained a passing accuracy of over 80%. Moreover, he won all of his aerial duels during his time on the pitch.

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