Phil Brown picks his team for Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 Matchweek 9, with ATK Mohun Bagan’s Vishal Kaith in goal.

Brown chose a mix of players from six different clubs in his playing XI, with one foreign player in defence, one in the midfield, and two in the attack.

For the pick of head coach, he chose Hyderabad FC’s Manolo Marquez for manoeuvring his team back to winning ways, which will be crucial in the second half of the season.

Here goes Phil Brown’s Team of the Week:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper
Vishal Kaith (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Kaith kept a clean sheet and showcased a great performance in their away win against Bengaluru FC. The shot-stopper notched a 100% save record, denying all three shots he faced on goal, thereby helping his side secure their first clean sheet away from home.

Defenders

Soraisham Sandeep Singh (Kerala Blasters FC)

Singh showed quality in the defence and was crucial in their 1-0 win against Jamshedpur FC. The defender stood his ground when it came to duels and managed two tackles, interceptions, and blocks. 

Marko Leskovic (Kerala Blasters FC)

An all-round defensive display earned him the Hero of the Match in Kerala Blasters FC’s win over Jamshedpur FC. Leskovic had the third most touches out of any KBFC player, proving to be a vital cog in their build-up play. Apart from that, the defender also made three crucial clearances.

Chinglensana Singh (Hyderabad FC)

After two defeats, Sana replied by scoring a goal and was crucial in the defence too. I think he’s back to his best for Hyderabad FC. Along with his stunning long-ranger goal, Sana was also a wall at the back, making five vital clearances to help his team return to winning ways. 

Subhasish Bose (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Bose is a proper full-back, knows his roles and attributes very well, and defends manfully. The defender was darting up and down the wings and delivered four crosses while also playing his part in the defence with two succesful tackles and clearances.

Midfielders:

Hitesh Sharma (Hyderabad FC)

This young player in the middle of the park knows how to play and makes others play as well. So, he’ll go in the double pivot role. 

Abdenasser El Khayati (Chennaiyin FC)

He has been the best player I’ve seen so far who is not yet fully fit. Khayati provided the assist and had the joint-second most touches out of any Chennaiyin FC player, proving his presence in the playing XI. 

Ashique Kuruniyan (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Kuruniyan’s display on the pitch, down the wings, through the middle is the personification of energy and quality. The midfielder was all across the pitch and delivered three crosses in their win over Bengaluru FC.

Forwards:

Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC)

Along with his all-round performances for Odisha FC, Nandhakumar is also adding goals on one end. The 26-year-old extended his goalscoring form and opened the scoring for the Juggernauts with a crucial goal. The forward whipped in six crosses and also created one goalscoring chance. 

Greg Stewart (Mumbai City FC)

Stewart is the hero of Mumbai City FC. His presence in the attack makes the team exciting to watch in the final third. Having provided two assists and created four chances, the Scotsman was at the helm of creating the game for his side and helped the team extend their unbeaten run to nine games.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)

Diaz is the best striker I’ve seen in India. The striker converted two of his three shots into goals and thrived off the creativity of his fellow players besides creating two goalscoring chances in their game against FC Goa. 

Head Coach:

Manolo Marquez (Hyderabad FC)

My pick of the head coach goes to this man because it was the biggest test for him to get the wheels back on. The second half against Chennaiyin FC will turn the season around after two 1-0 defeats.