ISL 2024-25: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Diego Mauricio highlight Matchweek 18 Team of the Week

Many Indian players impressed in the ISL gameweek 18.

We are nearing the business end of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season and the race for the top six is getting heated up more than ever. The game began with a goalless draw between Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin FC before Odisha FC stunned Bengaluru FC with a comeback from behind. Hyderabad FC pulled off a memorable win against Khalid Jamil’s resilient Jamshedpur FC. 

East Bengal added three crucial points to their tally with a win against Kerala Blasters at home before FC Goa outclassed Chennaiyin FC to fuel their league shield aspirations. The final game of the week witnessed Mumbai City get back to winning ways in front of their home fans.

On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team of the week for game week 18.

Formation: 3-4-3

GK – Arshdeep Singh (Hyderabad FC)

Arshdeep was the standout shot-stopper this week in ISL. He didn’t manage to keep a clean sheet, but stood tall under the bar and helped his side secure a memorable win against Jamshedpur FC. Singh made three crucial saves and even came off his line once to clear the danger. He also made an important clearance during the game and kept Jamshedpur FC’s striker at bay and did not concede a single goal from open play. 

CB – Hijazi Maher (East Bengal FC)

Hijazi Maher became the messiah for East Bengal this week in ISL. He used his towering presence to perfection and scored a headed goal to wrap up a 2-1 win for the Red and Golds. In addition to his goal, the Jordanian defender was solid at the back. He made eight clearances, one block and one interception each while completing 77% of his passes.

CB – Alberto Rodríguez (Mohun Bagan SG)

The Spanish defender stood like a wall in the heart of Mohun Bagan’s backline. He brought his A-game to the table and helped the Marines keep yet another clean sheet in ISL. Rodriguez made nine clearances, the most by any defender this week. He also recorded one tackle and won all of his aerial and ground duels. Alberto executed his passes with a passing accuracy of 93% and also made a key pass in the process.

CB – Manoj Mohammed (Hyderabad FC) 

Manoj Mohammed put up an exceptional shift this week. He was solid at the back and also made noteworthy contributions upfront. The left-back set up the winning goal for the Nizams against Jamshedpur late in the game and racked up two assists in the process. He also made three tackles and one interception while winning the majority of his duels. 

RM – PV Vishnu (East Bengal FC) 

PV Vishnu has been an elevation for the Red and Gold brigade this season. He has been putting in consistent and impactful performances at the top and has helped the Kolkata Giants earn a lot of valuable points. Vishnu scored a fantastic goal this week in ISL and also executed a key pass. He was lively on the right flank and registered two shots on target. Vishnu won ten duels and made three tackles as well.

CM – Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spanish midfielder was a treat to watch in FC Goa’s 2-0 triumph over Chennaiyin FC in ISL. He ripped off the opposition backline into two halves with his skills and technical prowess. Guarrotxena registered two shots on target and scored the opening goal as well. He completed 85% of his passes and won four ground duels. 

CM – Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal FC)

Naorem Mahesh Singh recorded his best performance of the ongoing season. The midfield lynchpin created a lot of problems for the opposition defenders with his vision and line-breaking passes. Mahesh executed four key passes while maintaining a passing accuracy of 83%. He set up Hijazi Maher for the second goal and racked up an assist. Mahesh also made three tackles and one interception.

LM – Aakash Sangwan (FC Goa) 

Aakash Sangwan has been one of the most consistent Indian players this season in ISL. He has won Manolo Marquez’s trust with his captivating and impactful displays. Sangwan not only makes important contributions at the back but also makes bombing runs forward. He hit the woodwork once and registered three shots on target and scored a goal as well. The 29-year-old also made two tackles and one clearance.  

RW – Jerry Mawihmingthanga (Odisha FC)

Jerry seems to have rediscovered his fine run of form. After a long goal drought, the right winger has come back to life and has found the back of the net five times in the last eight games, including a winning goal in the last match. Mawihmingthanga helped Odisha FC script a fightback with a winning goal against Bengaluru FC. He executed 86% of his passes to perfection, including a key pass.

ST – Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio was on the scoresheet twice as Odisha FC fought back from behind to secure all three points against Bengaluru FC. The Brazilian target man made no mistake in converting both the spot kicks to perfection and made it nine goals for the season. He maintained a passing accuracy of 91% and now has 13 goal contributions so far this season. 

LW – Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

The Mumbai City FC skipper helped his side wrap up a crucial 3-0 victory in front of their home fans with his heroics up front. Chhangte was lively in attack and troubled the opposition defenders in every possible way. He found the back of the net once before hitting the woodwork once. He executed two key passes with a passing accuracy of nearly 80%.

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