Matchweek 14 in the Indian Super League (ISL) showcased intense competition, with teams delivering spirited performances on the field. Despite two draws in the previous round, the likes of Odisha FC, Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant had to work hard to earn wins, reflecting the high level of competitiveness in the matches.

As we conclude another thrilling week of ISL action, we present the standout performers in our handpicked Team of Matchweek 14. Notably, players from Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC take centre stage in a dynamic 3-4-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

Gupreet Singh Sandhu, Bengaluru FC

During Bengaluru FC's triumph over Chennaiyin FC, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, while only making a couple of saves, played a pivotal role in organising the defence, contributing significantly to the team's clean sheet. In the clash against Jamshedpur FC, the Indian international showcased his goalkeeping prowess by making a series of crucial saves, limiting the opposition to just one goal.

Defenders

Nikhil Poojary, Bengaluru FC

Making his inaugural start for the club against Chennaiyin FC, Poojary played a crucial role in securing a hard-fought victory at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, contributing significantly to the team's clean sheet. His commendable defensive performance continued in the subsequent game against Jamshedpur FC, where Bengaluru FC faced a tough challenge away from home and managed to secure a point. Operating effectively on the right-hand side, Poojary showcased defensive prowess, ultimately aiding Bengaluru FC in collecting four valuable points from these two encounters.

Subhasish Bose, Mohun Bagan SG (C)

Bose delivered a formidable performance in the defensive line alongside Hector Yuste and Glan Martins, contributing significantly to Mohun Bagan Super Giant's victory and clean sheet against Hyderabad FC. As the team captain, Bose led by example, showcasing impeccable decision-making and rarely putting a foot wrong throughout the entire game. His robust presence posed a formidable challenge for the youthful Hyderabad FC attack, effectively minimising the chances conceded down his defensive flank.

Jay Gupta, FC Goa 

Gupta showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting his second goal of the season with a spectacular strike against Odisha FC, finding the top corner with precision. Interestingly, the FC Goa full-back had previously scored his first goal of the season against the same opponents in the reverse fixture. Despite an end-to-end encounter with numerous chances on both sides, Gupta and his defensive teammates demonstrated effectiveness in limiting the opposition to just one goal in a well-contested fixture.

Midfielders 

Nestor Albiach, NorthEast United FC

Albiach took command of the game, orchestrating NorthEast United FC to a thrilling victory against East Bengal FC. He played a pivotal role in the team's success by setting up Tomi Juric for NorthEast United FC's opening goal and showcased his own finishing skills with a well-taken goal from close range. Albiach's seamless partnership with Juric and Jithin MS in the attack proved to be fluid and dynamic, causing significant issues for the East Bengal FC defence throughout the match.

Suresh Wangjam, Bengaluru FC

Wangjam emerged as a key contributor to Bengaluru FC's defensive solidity in Matchweek 14, playing a pivotal role in the team conceding only one goal in two fixtures. His offensive prowess was also on display in the game against Jamshedpur FC, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities with a stunning strike from just outside the box. Under the guidance of new head coach Gerard Zaragoza, Wangjam is establishing himself as one of the crucial players for the Blues, making a notable impact on both ends of the pitch.

Ahmed Jahouh, Odisha FC 

Jahouh was absent from Odisha FC's fixture against Hyderabad FC despite being named on the bench. However, in the subsequent game against his former club, he emerged as the main orchestrator for Odisha FC on the pitch. Virtually everything created by the Kalinga Warriors came through him, showcasing his playmaking skills. Additionally, the Moroccan midfielder fulfilled his defensive responsibilities effectively, contributing to restricting the opposition to just one goal in the match.

Manvir Singh, Mohun Bagan SG

In his milestone 100th appearance for Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Hyderabad FC, Singh proved to be a constant menace for the opposition defence. His combination of pace, strategic movement, and trickery caused numerous challenges for the opposing team. Although he didn't find the back of the net himself, Singh played a crucial role by providing two assists in the game against Hyderabad FC, making the evening a memorable one for him.

Forwards

Roy Krishna, Odisha FC

Krishna extended his impressive form by scoring in both of Odisha FC's fixtures in Matchweek 15. Despite both goals coming from close range, Krishna demonstrated his clinical finishing ability, showcasing his effectiveness even with seemingly straightforward chances. With these recent goals, the Fijian striker has now found the back of the net in each of Odisha FC's previous five ISL games, accumulating a remarkable tally of 11 goals for the season – the highest in the league so far.

Tomi Juric, NorthEast United FC

Juric made a memorable ISL debut, seizing the headlines by scoring a brace and leading NorthEast United FC to a crucial victory over East Bengal FC. His second goal was particularly noteworthy, as the Australian adeptly outplayed his marker and skillfully curled his shot into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. Juric's impactful contributions played a pivotal role in ending the Highlanders' eight-game winless streak in the league, marking a significant moment for the team.

Diego Mauricio, Odisha FC 

Mauricio displayed resilience against FC Goa, coming close to scoring, but he found the net twice in the subsequent fixture against Hyderabad FC, bringing his goal tally for the season to six – the third joint-highest in the league. 

Despite operating somewhat under the radar amidst Krishna's impressive form, Mauricio remains a crucial component of Odisha FC's attack. His proficiency in hold-up play, strategic movement, and ability to create scoring opportunities highlights his significance to the team's offensive prowess.

Coach: Gerard Zaragoza



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Bengaluru FCFC GoaNorthEast United FCOdisha FCMohun Bagan Super Giant2023-2024