ISL TOTW 12: FC Goa stars dominate selection following NorthEast rout

Our other picks include a wide range of choices from across other teams. 

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to begin once again on 25th January after completing its international break for the AFC Asian Cup. Before the league went into a brief slumber in December last year, there were some splendid games in the last gameweek, with some dominant victories and crunch results shaping what could look like the top four come March. Few domestic players also displayed great skills and abilities to prove their value to their respective sides. Here’s our ISL Team of the Week 12.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

In his final game before the AFC Asian Cup, where he would be gauarding the Indian net for three straight games, Gurpreet made his presence felt in the match against ATK and produced a compelling performance.

Despite being lucky with his compatriot Balwant Singh  missing some sitters, Sandhu gave a good account of himself with some solid saves to deny ATK a sniff at goal. He even made five clearances to prove his prowess in the air and earned a clean-sheet to round off a routine home victory.

Right-Back: Seriton Fernandes (FC Goa)

The FC Goa defender displayed a bright showing of himself against NorthEast United, putting up a complete performance to help the Gaurs record a resounding victory. Not only was Seriton brilliant going forward, making darting runs on the right and always being an attacking option, he also maintained defensive stability.

Fernandes made four tackles, two interceptions and four blocks and nullified the Highlanders' threat on the wings with his effective work.

ISL Team of Week 12

Center-Back: Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC)

Bheke further consolidated his claim to the Indian national team with a stellar display against ATK, whom he kept relatively quiet on his side. Bheke did well to thwart their unpredictable attacking threat, keeping the attackers on their toes throughout the game.

He also maintained a solid defensive stance, making six vital clearances, three interceptions and a couple of blocks as well, helping to stitch up another clean-sheet for Bengaluru.

Center-Back: Subhashish Bose (Mumbai City)

Subhashish once again proved why he’s been such a gem of a buy for Mumbai City this season and delivered another solid performance in his last game before the Asian Cup. The India international worked hard to put on a spectacle and kept Kerala Blasters quiet in attack, making eight clearances, six tackles and four blocks to thwart their attempts.

He even got an assist to his name, when his inch-perfect cross enabled Modou Sougou to complete his hat-trick.

Left-Back: Ricky Lallawmawma (ATK)

Ricky had a tough task ahead of him in facing Udanta Singh of Bengaluru, but he seemed up for the challenge. He put up a compelling defensive performance, keeping the winger quiet throughout the night in his own backyard.

Ricky made five tackles, five clearances and a couple of crucial interceptions to restrict the Blues' attack. Ricky maintained impressive discipline when defending and proved why he’s such an asset for his team.

Central Midfield: Lenny Rodrigues (FC Goa)

Lenny continued to be the engine for Goa, making the transition from defence into attack very smooth for the Gaurs. He was at the heart of many of their attacks, distributing the ball valiantly over the course of the entire game.

Lenny racked up a 91% passing accuracy with almost 45 passes against NorthEast, helping the Gaurs maintain complete domination and proving himself as Goa’s midfield general.

Central Midfield: Bikramjit Singh (Delhi Dynamos)

Bikramjit Singh provided Delhi Dynamos with all the steel they needed to record their first win under Joseph Gombau and put up a sturdy performance. Singh maintained control in midfield, sniffing out danger and making four tackles to halt Chennaiyin FC’s attack.

His distribution was good as well and Bikramjit was rewarded for his efforts when he got at the end of a blazing counter-attack to superbly score his second goal of the season.

Right-Wing: Jackichand Singh (FC Goa)

Jackichand produced a commanding performance against NorthEast United, terrorizing the Highlanders with his movement and pace. Jacki was excellent on the right-hand side, putting in dangerous crosses all night long to test NorthEast’s resolve.

He seemed intent on doing something big and got his assist, when one of his crosses perfectly found Ferran Corominas to score Goa’s second goal and get an unassailable lead in the game.

ALSO READ

• 5 players who could replace Anas Edathodika in the Indian national team

• Adios Stephen Constantine, the man who we loved to loathe

• Khelo India Youth Games Football: Northeast youngsters dominate competition

Attacking Midfield: Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

Brandon Fernandes continued his sublime work for Goa with an impressive showing against NorthEast, whom he tormented in the final third. Brandon’s creativity and clever movement enabled him to link-up perfectly with his attackers and create big chances for the Gaurs.

His work was rewarded when he cleverly set up Hugo Boumous’ goal to get another assist to his name and keep the party going at Goa.

Left-Wing: Nandhakumar Sekar (Delhi Dynamos)

Nandhakumar Sekar lit up the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a dazzling display against the defending champions, proving how good he is in attack. Sekar looked dangerous right from the getgo, putting in some dangerous crosses, one of which perfectly met Daniel Lalhimpuia’s header for Delhi’s opener.

Nandha also got himself on the scoresheet later on with a precise finish, with his performance winning him the Hero of the Match award.

Striker: Daniel Lalhlimpuia (Delhi Dynamos)

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Daniel was given the opportunity to lead the line for Delhi and he did not disappoint. Lalhimpuia’s dangerous movement in the final third created all sorts of problems for the defending champions and he drew first blood, scoring his maiden ISL goal by glancing Nandhakumar’s header into the net.

He might not have done much in creating chances, but his goal and promising performance must’ve impressed coach Gombau.