ISL 2024-25: Farukh Choudhary, Luka Majcen spearhead attack for Matchweek 1 Team of the Week

Plenty of individual performers stepped up for their sides.

The 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is up and running. The first round of matches concluded recently with plenty of highlights to look back upon from the opening fixtures. Thanks to the first week of the action in the country’s premier league competition, Indian football fans got a window into what to expect and which players to keep an eye out for in the forthcoming matches.

All the sides were in action apart from Hyderabad FC in the first round of matches. Several notable names, new and old, took to the field and delivered impressive performances for their respective clubs. The week started with a high-octane draw between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC and it ended with a head-turning defeat for FC Goa at home, courtesy of Jamshedpur FC.

Lots of individuals stepped up for their sides and the following players made Khel Now’s Team of the Week for game week one:

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu secured a clean sheet in the opening game of the season for Bengaluru FC. He played an important role in helping the Blues secure a 1-0 win over East Bengal FC. The goalkeeper made two decent saves and kept a good command over the backline.

RB – Laldinliana Renthlei (Chennaiyin FC)

Even though Chennaiyin FC conceded two goals, Laldinliana Renthlei was one of the best-performing players on the pitch in the 3-2 away win over Odisha FC. He covered a lot of ground, worked hard, and contributed in both attack and defence.

CB – Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United FC)

Asheer Akhtar picked up where he left off and started the 2024-25 season well. His performance was vital in helping NorthEast United secure a 1-0 win over Mohammedan SC away from home. Despite constant attempts by Mohammedan’s attackers, Akhtar stood strong and made six clearances in the process.

CB – Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC)

Stephen Eze reminded the Indian Super League of his quality and capability. The defender returned to the competition after four years and delivered a masterful performance for Jamshedpur FC, helping them record a vital 2-1 win over FC Goa away from home. He made eight clearances and four interceptions in a superb display for his side.

LB –  Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Subhasish Bose kept the Mumbai City FC attackers at bay for long periods of the game. Despite the game ending 2-2 in the end, the defender deserved praise for his performance, coming up against an intense Islanders’ attack that had the likes of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh, and more.

RM – Alexis Gomez (Mohammedan SC)

Alexis Gomez was responsible for the majority of Mohammedan SC’s attacking forays against NorthEast United in their first-ever ISL fixture after securing promotion. He was unlucky to not score despite creating several scoring chances and taking four attempts on goal.

CM – Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Hugo Boumous delivered an impressive performance for Odisha FC in a losing cause. While the Kalinga Warriors succumbed to a 3-2 defeat by Chennaiyin FC, the attacking midfielder contributed with an assist and was unlucky to fall on the losing side.

CM – Jeakson Singh (East Bengal FC)

Jeakson Singh was solid in the midfield for East Bengal FC. He kept the ball moving in possession and provided cover to the defence, covering every blade of the grass on the pitch.

LM – Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC)

Vinith Venkatesh lived up to the hype as he scored the only goal of the game between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC. The attacker made the key contribution in the 25th minute with a well-taken goal, proving to be the difference maker for the Blues, securing three points on the road.

ST – Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)

Luka Majcen delivered another captain’s performance for Punjab FC, helping them record a 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC in a hostile Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. He scored the penalty to give his team the lead and then provided the assist for the late winner.

ST – Farukh Choudhary (Chennaiyin FC)

Farukh Choudhary was mesmerising in Chennaiyin FC’s 3-2 win over Odisha FC in the past week. The attacker scored a quick-fire brace to help the side silence the home crowd and eventually run away with three points. He scored the equaliser in the 48th minute and then handed his team the lead in the 51st minute. 

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