ISL 2024-25: Gurmeet Singh, Abhishek Singh garrison Matchweek 9 Team of the Week defence

The Indian Super League (ISL) resumed play with Gameweek 9 after the last international break of the year. The action began in Capital city where a ten men NorthEast United secured a hard fought victory against Punjab FC followed by Mohun Bagan’s triumph over Jamshedpur at home. Kerala Blasters also returned to winning ways against Chennaiyin FC.

Odisha FC tore Hyderabad FC to shreds and pulled off a statement 0-6 win away from home before Punjab FC thrashed Mumbai City FC 0-3 in the City of Dreams. The final game of the week witnessed Bengaluru FC return to the top of the table with a historic stoppage time win against Mohammedan SC.

On that note, let us take a look at Khel Now’s team of the week for game week 9.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Gurmeet Singh (NorthEast United FC)

Gurmeet stood like a wall in the middle of the stick for NorthEast United and helped them secure valuable points on the road. The keeper brought his best game to the table and managed to secure three crucial points for his side with his heroics. Gurmeet made seven saves, including six saves from inside the box.

RB – Tekcham Abhishek Singh (Punjab FC)

Abhishek Singh was in action twice this week and gave good performances on both occasions. He went toe-to-toe against Alaeddine Ajarie in the first game and kept a check on Mumbai City FC’s attacking line-up in the second game. His never-say-die attitude combined with his pace and work rate makes him an important part of Punjab FC’s setup.

CB – Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC)

Mourtada Fall dropped in another masterclass of a performance in the colours of Odisha FC. The Senegalese defender was rock solid at the back and had a busy outing in his side’s 6-0 triumph over Hyderabad FC. Fall made six clearances, three blocks, two tackles and an interception while scoring one of the six goals for his side.

CB – Michel Zobaco (NorthEast United FC)

The Highlanders’ skipper defended with his heart on his sleeves and made sure to take his side over the line despite being down to 10 men. Zobaco had an eventful outing in Delhi and made sure to deny Punjab FC anything out of the game.

It was one of his best performances in the league. He made nine clearances, three tackles, two interceptions and one block while winning all of his ground duels.

LB – Buanthanglun Samte (NorthEast United FC)

Buanthanglun Samte has emerged as one of the best left-backs in the league this season. He has earned Juan Pedro Benali’s trust and has established himself as a regular starter for the Highlanders.

He racked up a brilliant assist in the last game when he sent in a ball far out from the left blank into the box for Nestor Albiach to find the back of the net.

RM – Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Manvir Singh continues to make his second back-to-back appearance in the team of the week. The Indian international has continued to impress in green and maroon with impactful performances on the right flank.

His pace and creative abilities make him a unique proposition for his side. Manvir created two of the three goals in his side’s 3-0 triumph over Jamshedpur FC last week.

CM – Nikhil Prabhu (Punjab FC)

Nikhil Prabhu has been one of the most consistent and underrated Indian players in the league this season. He has displayed some mind-blowing performances in the middle of the park and also at the back for Punjab FC. Prabhu’s versatility and strong technical knowledge make him one of a kind in the ISL.

He made three clearances, tackles and interceptions each, including two goal-line clearances against Mumbai City FC.

CM – Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)

Adrian Luna finally seems to have returned to full fitness and is now expected to operate at his best. The Uruguayan midfielder has shouldered the creative duties for Kerala Blasters with perfection ever since he arrived in the league.

Luna put in a great shift and helped the Blasters secure a much-needed win at home. He executed three key passes and also got an assist to his name.

LM – Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Liston Colaco gave a good account of himself as club football returned to action. The Indian international was a livewire on the left flank and made sure to mark his impactful performance with a wonder goal.

Colaco made multiple entries into the final third and had three shots blocked. He also won 11/13 of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels.

ST – Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)

Noah Sadaoui turned on his beast mode and helped Kerala Blasters bounce back to winning ways on Monday.

The Moroccan speedster was all over Chennaiyin FC with his skills and threatening moves. Noah not only found the back of the net once, but also set up Rahul KP for a goal and then ended the match with a goal and an assist. He needs to continue showing up if the Blasters are to get back into the top 6. 

ST – Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Sunil Chhetri proved to be the point of difference between Bengaluru FC and Mohammedan SC. He helped the Blues come back from a goal down to 1-2 up to secure a memorable and historic win in the city of joy.

The former Indian skipper first scored the equalizer and then scored the winner very late into stoppage time to wrap up a much-needed victory for his side.

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