Roshan Singh, Ninthoi headline ISL 2021-22 Team of Gameweek 16

As the season approaches its business end, these players are taking their performance to the next level.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 fans might be disappointed about the number of goals they witnessed this gameweek, but they surely enjoyed a series of action-packed fixtures. Kerala Blasters returned to the pitch after a COVID-induced gap, but Bengaluru FC made sure they took all the points home. Hyderabad FC continued to pile on the agony, with NorthEast United on the receiving end.

Elsewhere, SC East Bengal showed tremendous fighting spirit and came back from 2-0 down to take home a point against Chennaiyin FC. Coach Bozidar Bandovic will be really disappointed at the defensive lapses his team have shown lately, having failed to keep a clean-sheet in 11 matches. Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan was expected to be a hot affair, but both teams shared a goal apiece and the points.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at Khel Now’s ISL 2021-22 Team of the Week for Gameweek 16.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Last gameweek, Lara Sharma gave an inspired performance under the bar for the Blues. However, it would’ve always been difficult to keep the Indian No. 1 out when he was fit.

Sandhu came back and showed everyone why he’s the No.1 With five saves – four of them from inside the box – Sandhu used his frame brilliantly and was the best player on the pitch.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Right-Back: Naorem Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC)

This kid is shooting for the stars, isn’t he? His free-kick in the 56th minute, that beat Prabhsukhan Gill all ends up, settled the deal for the Blues. It can be argued that Gill could have done better with his positioning.

However, that takes nothing away from the youngster, who recently celebrated his 23rd birthday. The consistency with which he finds Prince Ibara in the box from any set-piece is set to be a major worry for any team that faces the pair this season in ISL 2021-22.

Centre-Back: Tiri (ATK Mohun Bagan)

It is never easy to keep out the Mumbai City FC attack, but when you’ve an experienced campaigner such as Tiri, things get a little easier. The Spaniard kept the Islanders at bay, with five clearances, two blocked shots and six interceptions.

He found his teammates with 10 long balls, a high number. He even created a chance in the 28th minute, but the ball went over the crossbar.

Centre-Back: Nim Dorjee (Hyderabad FC)

Nim Dorjee Tamang is not a new name in the Indian football circuit, but some fans might not know him well. A former Shillong Lajong captain, he was always a cool customer on the ball and he displayed the same against NEUFC for the Nizams.

In the absence of Chinglesana Singh, Nim Dorjee paired up with senior pro Juanan and looked assured. Had he not blocked an attempt, Laxmikant Kattimani might not have gone home with another clean-sheet.

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Left-Back: Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC)

When Akash Mishra is on song, few players look better than him. Hardworking, adventurous and with an uncanny yet clean technique, Mishra has risen up the ranks over the last couple years and is proving why his coach Manolo Marquez trusts him. The youngster has now scored in consecutive games in ISL 2021-22 and is enjoying the freedom he’s got at the Nizams. He has also become the first Indian to feature in FIFA Ultime Team of the Week.

Central Midfielder: Darren Sidoel (SC East Bengal)

Sidoel scored in the match against ATK Mohun Bagan to give SC East Bengal the lead last week. That match didn’t go the Red and Gold's way. However, when he ruffled the net in the 61st minute against Chennaiyin FC, it opened the floodgates to a flurry of attacks for his team.

SC East Bengal kept pushing and found the back of the net in the added minutes. They would like to take the hunger and motivation into the next game.

Central Midfielder: Angousana (SC East Bengal)

Partnering the talented Dutchman in the heart of this midfield is his partner at SC East Bengal, Wahengbam Angousana. He controlled the midfield well, rarely misplacing the ball.

It was Angou’s corner that was met with a header from Lalrinliana Hnamte in injury-time to give a point to SCEB. The former TRAU FC midfielder is growing into a fine recycler of possession.

[KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Right Winger: Ninthoi Meetei (Chennaiyin FC)

Several fans I talked to told me they had started to miss his speed and mazy runs on the right flank. Compared to Sameehg Doutie at one point, Meetei’s senior career seems to be finally taking off at Chennaiyin.

Against SC East Bengal, he found the back of the net with a thunderous strike from the right side of the box, not before wrong-footing a defender.

Central Attacking Midfielder: Joel Chianese (Hyderabad FC)

Joel Chianese, against NorthEast United, was in a different form altogether. He might’ve got his name on the assist list just once, but everything his team created routed through him. Six key passes and two big chances do not do justice to the effect he had on the game.

It was his corner that created the first goal and his pass lead to the third as well. He is playing the perfect foil to Bartholomew Ogbeche, who can’t stop scoring at the moment.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Left Winger: Udanta Singh (Bengaluru FC)

Watching Udanta Singh run at defences is a delight for fans for sure, but not for opposition defenders. Kerala Blasters felt the heat as the "Flash" tormented them down the left wing, showing his cohesion with Sunil Chhetri yet again.

Udanta created a glorious opportunity and made as many as seven key passes – three of them leading to shots! However, none of them could be converted by Danish Farooq, Ibara or Chhetri.

Striker: Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Bow down to the king! With 49 goals in 70 matches, Bart Ogbeche deservedly sits at the top of the Indian Super League’s goalscoring chart. He was in the mood yet again and found the back of the net twice against NEUFC.

He also missed another opportunity and could not turn his brace into a hat-trick. It is easy to see that at 37, he looks in no mood to slow down and it will be interesting to see where he stops in the league.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.