ISL 2019-20 Team of the Week 5: Players from 'Big Three' make the cut

Majority of the recently concluded week's best players come from ATK, Bengaluru FC and FC Goa.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is now almost through the half-way mark of its league stage, but the competition is still red hot around the top-half of the table. ATK are running away as the most dominant side in the league and defending champions Bengaluru FC are right onto their heels after recovering well from a slow start to the season.

There are still almost five teams competing for the playoffs spot behind them, as the close proximity of their positions making the ISL quite open-ended. The last week produced some dramatic, close encounters which were won by the brilliance of individual stars. While certain domestic stars starred for their teams, the prime foreign talent continued their influence in winning matches. So here is Khel Now’s team of the week for gameweek 5.

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Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

There’s a reason for Bengaluru FC’s defensive domination this season, as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been a pillar in between the posts for the defending champions. Sandhu proved his class and put out another stunning performance against Odisha FC, keeping out their relentless attacks with his effective goalkeeping skills.

The custodian made one important save after another, especially towards the second half when he made a brilliant double-save to deny the hosts. Sandhu made six saves and seven punches in the game, winning the man of the match award for his heroics and capping another clean-sheet to his name this season.

Right-Back: Prabir Das (ATK)

After his absence in the previous season of the ISL, Prabir Das is playing with his heart etched to his sleeve for ATK. The right wing-back displayed another tenacious, effective performance for the Kolkata outfit against an unbeaten NorthEast United and exposed their defensive vulnerabilities well.

Das assisted David Williams’ opener with another brilliant looping cross, while going onto create a few more as well. He also did a good job to keep Panagiotis Triadis and Rakesh Pradhan quiet, making five clearances and four attempted tackles to help ATK record another clean-sheet on the road.

ISL 2019-20 Team of Week 5

Centre-Back: Chinglensana Singh (FC Goa)

Thanks to Mourtada Fall’s suspension, Chinglensana finally received his opportunity to impress Sergio Lobera with his defensive work. He made the most of the opportunity, putting in a solid shift at the heart of defence alongside Carlos Pena. Singh maintained a composed demeanour in the middle, working hard to avert danger and making five clearances, two blocks to frustrate Hyderabad FC.

He did get a booking, but was reliable throughout the game by playing the ball out from defence superbly with a 95% passing accuracy. He was awarded for his heroics with Man of the Match award, proving why he must feature more often for the Gaurs.

Centre-Back: Juanan (Bengaluru FC)

Juanan’s created a brilliant partnership in the heart of Bengaluru FC’s defence with Albert Serran, but is using experience to his advantage to maintain the impenetrable nature in the defending champions' backline in the ISL. He put in another sturdy performance against Odisha FC, neutralizing Aridane Santana’s threat against the Blues.

He kept a firm positioning, always found himself at the right place to make seven clearances and two blocks with his tenacious work. Most importantly, he scored the winner when his weak shot crept into goal, granting his side a crucial win to take a step closer to guaranteeing another playoff place.

Left-Back: Jessel Carneiro (Kerala Blasters FC)

The incredible adaptation Jessel Carneiro has made from Goa Professional League to the ISL was further exemplified in his prolific showing at the Mumbai Football Arena against Mumbai City FC. The left-back was an industrious figure by his side, running up and down tirelessly to put in the extra shift for the Blasters.

He was defensively good with three interceptions and blocks, but was especially effective in the forward runs. Carneiro made eight crosses in the game, creating four goal-scoring chances before superbly tipping off Messi Bouli’s strike. His assist couldn’t win them the game, but Carnerio’s effective performance must’ve further won over Eelco Schattorie’s trust.

Right Centre-Midfield: Jeakson Singh (Kerala Blasters)

Like Jessel, Jeakson was another livewire for Kerala Blasters but in midfield instead. The young midfielder continued impressing in his first ISL season, being quite the workhorse operating as Kerala’s engine in the middle. Jeakson was everywhere in trying to stitch together promising chances and defensively protected his backline as much as he could as well.

Apart from his impressive 85% passing accuracy, Jeakson made four clearances, two interceptions and three attempted tackles in a tenacious showing. Singh’s efforts were rewarded with the Man of the Match award, which once again proved how industrious his performance was.

Central Defensive-Midfield: Erik Paartalu (Bengaluru FC)

The Australian’s turning to be Mr. Dependable for Bengaluru FC ever since returning from injury, which has boosted their fortunes threefold. Paartalu continued his brilliance in his retracted midfield role against Odisha FC, sniffing out attacks smartly and helping his side be in firm control of the game.

Not only did he distribute possession well with an 81% passing accuracy, but Paartalu’s five clearances and three blocks helped save his defenders blushes as well. He also ended up getting an assist for Juanan’s strike, when his clever header fell in the way for his team-mate to score the lucky strike.

Left Centre-Midfield: Lenny Rodrigues (FC Goa)

Lenny was an instant hit against Hyderabad FC

Lenny has often leapt up as FC Goa’s guardian angel in some tense moments this season, never losing his cool in the most difficult periods. He maintained his composed nature against Hyderabad FC, keeping their persistent midfielders from overrunning his side.

Rodrigues was efficient defensively and unselfishly moved around the ball with finesse, with an 84% passing accuracy helping the Gaurs gain control of proceedings. He also made four interceptions, two clearances and two blocks in another compelling effort to help the Gaurs get back to winning ways.

Attacking Midfield: Brandon Fernandes (FC Goa)

The Goan midfielder did not let the absence of Ferran Corominas trouble FC Goa as he continued his wizardry in the final third against Hyderabad FC. He put in another effective performance as their playmaker, creating chances with ease thanks to his expert creative vision carving open Hyderabad’s defence with slick, incisive passes.

Brandon created five goal-scoring chances and maintained a 72% passing accuracy with his accurate forward balls. He was finally awarded for his hard-work when Manvir Singh powered in his looping corner expertly to win the williamsgame for FC Goa, helping collect his fourth assist of the season.

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Centre-Forward: David Williams (ATK)

David Williams is quickly becoming the driving orchestrator for ATK’s attack and continued his prolific work with an explosive performance against NorthEast United. Williams blended into all the right areas to cause the Highlanders all sort of troubles, while freeing up his team-mates as well.

He scored the opener with a clever header into the net, but then turned provider later on when his precise through-ball allowed Krishna to get on the score-sheet as well. The Australian created five chances in total and tested the goalkeeper a few times, deservedly winning the Hero of the Match trophy for his heroics in creating and scoring goals.

Centre-Forward: Roy Krishna (ATK)

Roy Krishna scored a brace against NorthEast United

ATK paid some big bucks to get Roy Krishna on board for this season, but the Fijian is making every penny worth it. After a dramatic last-minute equalizer against Mumbai City rejuvenated his senses, Krishna was like a hungry lion obsessed with ending NorthEast United’s undefeated streak.

He tormented their centre-backs with his clever movement around the final third, finding space to run into superbly as well. He whiskered past NorthEast’s defenders with ease before finishing delightfully for the first goal and then topped off a brilliant day with an easy finish from close in the dying minutes. Krishna’s brace took him atop the top-scorer ladder with six goals. If that performance proved anything, he’ll be scoring many more come the end of the campaign.