The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 has seen debutants Jamshedpur FC, under tactical mastermind Steve Coppell, grinding out results and earning a reputation of boasting the meanest defence in the competition. While seven clean sheets have helped without a doubt, there has been notable contribution up front too. And one among them is Wellington Priori

Brazilian midfielder was signed during the January transfer window to boost Jamshedpur’s midfield. The 28-year-old is not new to the circumstances in the league. Having plied his trade for NorthEast United FC in the previous season he knows what it takes to earn points in the Hero ISL. Having made 12 appearances for the Highlanders, he had an underwhelming season to say the least as the side just about missed out on a semifinal berth.

This season, however, he has been a completely different player. Joining mid-season, Priori has been the main influencer in the midfield.

He made his Jamshedpur debut against Kerala Blasters FC and has started all of their matches since. Moreover, he has played every minute of those ties barring an away encounter against Mumbai City FC where he was substituted after the hour mark. He announced himself to the Jamshedpur faithful in his second tie when they hosted Delhi Dynamos FC. Priori marshaled the midfield and came up with the assist for Trindade Goncalves’ winner in his team’s 3-2 victory, a performance that earned him the Hero of the Match award.

He bagged his first Hero ISL goal in the next game against FC Pune City when he pounced on Vishal Kaith’s howler to score. That goal would ultimately be futile as the Stallions staged a second-half comeback to bag all three points.

However, Priori scored arguably the best goal of the season so far against his former club, NorthEast United FC. Playing at home, Jamshedpur were on the back-foot for much of the game. But that didn’t seem to bother the Brazilian much when he made the most of a Izu Azuka throw in the second half and fashioned a bicycle kick to score what turned out to be the winner.

Priori scored his third in his team’s last fixture against Chennaiyin FC. This time, he would strike a sweet first-time volley from outside the box to give Jamshedpur the lead at the Marina Arena.

The debutants are fourth on the league table and much of it should be credited to Priori’s steady performances since he has joined them. A pacey player, who loves to dribble his way around the opposition defence, Priori has been vital in Jamshedpur’s attack. With him in the midfield, the team certainly has the required flair. And while a playoff qualification looks more likely than not, they could also land a strong challenge for the title.