ISL 2024-25: Prabhsukhan Gill, Anwar Ali highlight impenetrable Matchweek 8 Team of the Week defence

Hyderabad FC players came to the spotlight in this week’s ISL fixtures.

The Indian Super League (ISL) wrapped up its eighth week before heading into the November international break. The caravan began with FC Goa’s comeback win against Punjab FC followed by Hyderabad FC’s shocking win in Kochi against the Kerala Blasters. Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC played out a 2-2 draw.

Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City shared spoils in a 1-1 draw in the 1000th ISL game before Mohammedan SC failed to capitalize on their advantage and had to settle for a draw against East Bengal who now have their first point of the season. And in the last game, Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan shared points following a 1-1 draw.

On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team for the week of game week 8.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Prabhsukhan Gill (East Bengal FC)

Prabhsukhan Gill put up a phenomenal performance under the bar for his side and helped them clinch their first point of the season. Gill stopped everything that came his way and achieved his first clean sheet of the season despite being down to nine men for the majority of the game. He made five saves, including three saves from inside the box alongside a high claim.

RB – Parag Srivas (Hyderabad FC)

Parag Srivas stood up to the occasion and inspired Hyderabad FC to yet another win. The full-back operated at his best and displayed a performance worthy of a standing ovation. Parag played an important role in taking Hyderabad FC over the line against the Kerala Blasters with his never-say-die attitude and strong defensive acumen, 

CB – Anwar Ali (East Bengal FC)

Anwar Ali stood kike a rock in the heart of the East Bengal FC defense. He did not let anything get past him and neutralized multiple chances. Anwar’s heroics at the back earned East bengal their first point of the season. He he made eight clearances and one interception while winning all of his duels.

CB – Alex Saji (Hyderabad FC)

Alex Saji played the role of a true leader in Hyderabad’s historic win in Kochi. Saji led his side from the front and kept things really tight at the back. His leadership attributes coupled with his strong defensive skills were influential for the Nizams. He made five clearances, three blocks and one interception and tackle each. 

LB – Nathan Rodrigues (Mumbai City FC)

Nathan Rodrigues makes his second consecutive appearance in Team of the Week. The young left-back gave a good account of himself in his side’s 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC away from home. Rodrigues scored the equaliser and salvaged a point for his side while making a block, tackle and interception each and maintaining a passing accuracy of 91%.

RM – Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Manvir Singh scored in his second consecutive game and rescued a crucial point for his side. The Indian international looked lively and caused a lot of problems for opposition players with his swift and fast moves. Singh completed 23/29 passes and also won all of his ground and aerial duels while making a few defensive contributions. 

CM – Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

Iker Guarrotxena has come back into the lineup and has hit the ground running. The Spanish midfield lynchpin continues to light up the league with his amazing performances. Iker was involved in both of FC Goa’s goals against Punjab FC. He set up the equaliser before scoring the winner in the second half and securing all three points for the Gaurs.

CM – Andrei Alba (Hyderabad FC)

Andrei Alba was an out-of-syllabus question for the Kerala Blasters. The Spaniard brought hsi A-game to the table and surprised a jam packed stadium in Kochi with his heroics on the pitch.

He scored both goals for his side and inspired them to an unexpected yet much-needed victory before heading into the international break.

LM – Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC)

Jithin MS continues to inspire under Juan Pedro Benali and has also earned his first national team call-up in the process. He is a keen dribbler who is filled with pace and is not afraid to take on anyone.

The winger assisted one of Alaeddine Ajaraie’s goal against Bengaluru FC and registered his fourth assist of the season. In fact, he is now the joint highest assist provider in the league and is the only Indian in that list

ST – Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United’s magic man Alaeddine Ajaraie continues to create and break records. The Moroccan forward scored twice against Bengaluru FC away from home and became the first player to score three back-to-back braces in the league.

He also holds the record for the most number of goal contributions in the opening eight games. Moreover, he is leading the Golden Boot race with 11 goals. 

ST – Armando Sadiku (FC Goa)

Armando Sadiku has been a driving force behind FC Goa this season. He has shouldered the goal-scoring abilities well and is placed second in the Golden Boot race.

Sadiku has found the back of the net eight times in as many games. The former Albanian international has been consistently finding the back of the net for the Gaurs this season.

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