ISL 2024-25: Javi Hernandez, Imran Khan dominate midfield for Matchweek 2 Team of the Week

A vast majority of this week’s standout performers belong to the winning sides.

Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League (ISL) is done and dusted. It was an entertaining week of football with a lot of goals, drama, and upsets. The week started with Bengaluru FC demolishing Hyderabad FC 3-0 at home followed by Punjab FC’s surprising 2-1 win over Odisha FC in Delhi.

Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC shocked Mumbai City FC and pulled off a 3-2 win at the Furnace and then Mohammedan SC earned their first ISL point with a draw against FC Goa. Kerala Blasters emerged victorious against East Bengal before Mohun Bagan completed a comeback win over NorthEast United at the Salt Lake Stadium. 

21 goals were scored across six games this week as Bengaluru FC became the only club that managed to keep a clean sheet in this high-scoring week of football. On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team of the week for Matchweek 2.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Gurpreet has made his second back-to-back appearance in Khel Now’s team of the week. The Indian international was the only goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in the second ISL match week. He played an instrumental role in Bengaluru FC’s 3-0 triumph over Hyderabad with a save and a clearance each.

RB – Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

Nikhil Poojary put up a good show in his side’s 3-0 win over Hyderabad. The right-back made bombing runs forward and also tracked back to defend. He won the majority of his ground duels while maintaining an excellent passing accuracy of 94%.

CB – Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Bheke was one of the standout performers for the Blues in their second win of the season. The defender scored one of the three goals and put his side ahead in the tie. He made two crucial clearances while winning a lot of his ground duels. Moreover, he also maintained a good passing accuracy of over 90%.

CB – Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Dippendu scored his debut ISL goal against NorthEast United from a wonderful header and helped his side get back in the game. He was excellent with his ball distribution and made himself impassable as he completed four tackles and clearances.

LB – Huidrom Naocha Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Although Naocha Singh was not as influential on the back foot, he was adventurous going forward, setting up Noah Sadaoui’s first goal in the Tuskers comeback win against East Bengal FC. The left-back’s passes were not only penetrative but accurate as he registered one key pass, five completed long balls out of seven attempts, and got his only cross of the game on target.

RM –  Nihal Sudheesh (Punjab FC)

Punjab FC’s prodigy Nihal Sudheesh set the stage on fire with his mind-blowing performance against Odisha last Friday. The winger scored an amazing curler past Amrinder Singh to give his side the lead. His pace coupled with his commitment has made him the talk of the town.

CM – Javi Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC)

Javi was the driving force behind Jamshedpur FC’s win over Mumbai City FC. The Spaniard scored a couple of goals in quick succession and put his side in the lead. His creativity and game-reading abilities have come in extremely handy for the Red Miners.

CM – Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

Imran Khan has evolved into an unstoppable force of nature under Khalid Jamil. The left-footed attacking midfielder has a wonderful vision coupled with an even better passing accuracy. Imran set up Jordan Murray for the equalizer in the first half against Mumbai City FC.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: Top five Indian players from Matchweek 2

LM – Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)

Noah rewound the clock and brought his scintillating Durand Cup 2024 form to Kerala Blasters’ second ISL game as he resembled the feared electric presence down the left that earned him acclaim initially. The winger collected Naocha Singh’s ball near the halfway line and dribbled into the box at full speed, fooling Mohamed Rakip with an inside chop and blasting in a left-footed shot into the far corner.

ST – Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Chhetri came on as a substitute late in the game against Hyderabad and scored two goals in a snap. He put the game to bed with his brace and helped Bengaluru seal their second win of the season. He is now the joint-highest top scorer in the ISL.

ST – Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United’s Moroccan forward has already become a fan favorite in the ISL. He created the first goal before scoring a picture-perfect strike past Vishal Kaith for the Highlanders. His pace, silky moves, and precise ball control make him a tough opponent to play against. Moreover, he has the most goal contributions in the league so far (3).

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