ISL 2024-25: Dimitri Petratos, Iker Guarrotxena highlight Matchweek 23 Team of the Week

Many Indian players impressed in the ISL match week 23.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) wrapped up its 23rd match week as teams moved closer to securing or getting eliminated from the playoffs. The week started with Hyderabad FC’s resilient draw against Mumbai City FC at home before Jamshedpur FC bounced back with a 2-0 win against Mohammedan SC on the road.  

Bengaluru FC then secured an impressive 2-0 victory against NorthEast United FC in Shillong. The Saturday fixtures witnessed FC Goa and East Bengal FC keep their playoff hopes alive with important victories against Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC, respectively. The week’s final game witnessed Mohun Bagan Super Giant secure the ISL shield with a stoppage-time winner courtesy of forward Dimitri Petratos against Odisha FC.

On that note, let us look at Khel Now’s team of the week for match week 23.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Arshdeep Singh (Hyderabad FC)

The Hyderabad FC shot-stopper was in top form against Mumbai City FC. He produced a heroic performance between the posts, making seven crucial saves for his side and helping them secure a hard-fought clean sheet in a goalless draw. Against an attacking Islanders side, the 28-year-old took command of his goal and quickly responded to any goal attempts. His efforts were instrumental in denying the opposition and earned him only his second clean sheet for the season.

RB – Nikhil Barla (Jamshedpur FC)

The Jamshedpur FC fullback made an instant impact off the bench and had a game to remember against Mohammedan SC. The defender helped his side keep a clean sheet and score a crucial goal to seal the game for his side. Barla showed a glimpse of his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, making him an invaluable asset to his team. The 21-year-old showed great awareness and ran into the box before producing a lovely chipped goal over the keeper’s head into the net.

CB – Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

Jhingan once again stood tall like a wall in FC Goa’s backline against Kerala Blasters FC. He ushered away any threat from the Gaurs box and stopped any threats from developing. He also made crucial interceptions and was a vocal leader in his side’s backline as they recorded their sixth clean sheet of the season. The Indian international also made one tackle and completed 38 passes in the game. His presence is a game-changer for FC Goa this season and has played a crucial part in fueling their playoff aspirations.

CB – Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG) 

Bose is possibly enjoying his best-ever season on the Indian top flight and has proved his worth to the Mariners this season. The 29-year-old has been highly consistent in all areas of the pitch and is a mainstay in the Mariners’ record-breaking season. Bose made 46 accurate passes and was a wall in defence for Mohun Bagan in their close game against Odisha FC. He also made two tackles and was all-action for his side throughout the evening. 

LB – Lalchungnunga (East Bengal FC)

The Torchbearers fullback has been one of the brightest spots for his side in a challenging season. He gave a good account of himself at the left-back position and kept things tight while scoring the third goal for his side to put the game beyond Punjab FC’s reach. Lalchungnunga made two tackles and 10 accurate passes. He also showed tremendous energy and effort in a must-win game against the Shers. The 24-year-old will be a crucial player for the Torchbearers as their playoff hopes hang by a thread.

ALSO READ: ISL: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s performance in playoffs over years

RM – Mohammed Yasir (FC Goa)

The FC Goa midfield dynamo once again proved his attacking prowess and poacher mentality with a vital goal for FC Goa in their clash against Kerala Blasters FC. The instinctual strike helped Goa secure an important result and demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments. The 26-year-old was in the right place at the right time to tap home into an empty net following a lovely low cross from striker Iker Guarrotxena. Yasir will be an important player for Manolo Marquez’s side, looking to go all the way and win the ISL title.

CM – Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC) 

Noguera took centre stage as Bengaluru FC got the better of the high-flying NorthEast United FC this week in ISL. He has been the creative force for the Blues this season and was once again the key player against the Highlanders. He set up winger Ryan Williams for the opener to give the visitors the perfect start in a must-win game. The Spaniard then sealed the deal for the Blues in the 81st minute, securing all three points with a lovely finish. Noguera will be a crucial player for head coach Gerard Zaragoza, who will be keen to secure playoff qualification in the upcoming games.

CM – Naorem Mahesh Singh (East Bengal FC)

The Torchbearers left-midfielder again performed exceptionally for East Bengal FC this week. He was involved in the thick of things and guided East Bengal to a massive win over Punjab FC. Singh made notable contributions on both ends of the pitch, but his most vital contribution came in the 47th minute. He scored a crucial second goal while keeping things ticking over for his side. The 25-year-old also has been one of the leading lights for head coach Oscar Bruzon as they continue to dream of playing in the ISL playoffs. 

LM – Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

The versatile forward proved his worth again for the Mariners, providing a crucial assist in his team’s close win against Odisha FC. His attacking play and ability to create chances for his teammates were pivotal in Mohun Bagan’s victory, which helped them clinch the ISL shield. The 29-year-old’s tremendous work rate, link-up play, and slalom runs ensured his team remained dangerous in the final third. The 29-year-old has contributed with five goals and four assists in 21 games this season and will be the primary source of goals ahead of the ISL playoffs.

ST – Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

The Spaniard led the charge for FC Goa in their 2-0 triumph over Kerala Blasters FC this week. He registered a goal and an assist, virtually ending any playoff hopes that the Tuskers had of qualifying for the ISL playoffs. The 32-year-old was sublime in attack for Manolo Marquez, who will be excited by the form of his player ahead of the end of the regular season. 

ST – Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan SG)

Petratos’ 93rd-minute strike fired Mohun Bagan to become the first ISL club to win back-to-back ISL shields in league history. The striker had the magic touch when it mattered most for his side and unleashed a left-foot strike from outside the box in the game’s dying embers. The Aussie forward has recorded three goals and three assists in 19 games this season. Petratos has found his mojo at Mohun Bagan once again and is expected to fire on all cylinders in the upcoming ISL playoffs as the club hunts for a domestic double this season.

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