With all the matches displaying competitiveness at its best, Kerala Blasters FC stole the show scripting a historic comeback against FC Goa in the final fixture of the Matchweek.

As Matchweek 17 of the ISL is already underway, we've selected the Team of Matchweek 16, with a 3-4-3 formation.

Powerful Back-line 👊
Balanced Midfield 💪
Fiery Attack 🔥

The MW 16 #ISLTOTW is as good as they come! 👏#ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball | @Sports18 @ivanvuko19 pic.twitter.com/oJE040QhNp

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 27, 2024

Goalkeeper

Mirshad Michu (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Mirshad K played a pivotal role in securing his team's second clean sheet of the season during Matchweek 16. In an exceptional display between the posts, Michu made four crucial saves and executed four clearances, effectively thwarting the FC Goa players and denying them from scoring in their second consecutive match.

Defenders

Provat Lakra (Jamshedpur FC) 

Despite not maintaining a clean sheet against East Bengal FC, the 26-year-old defender displayed yet another exemplary performance in the backline for the Men of Steel. Lakra showcased his defensive prowess by making crucial tackles and clearances during his time on the pitch, playing a pivotal role in limiting the opposition to only a single goal in their 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC. His defensive contributions were instrumental in securing the win for his time.

Asheer Akthar (NorthEast United FC)

Yet another player from NorthEast United FC who managed to impress everyone with his defensive display in Matchweek 16. Against FC Goa, the 29-year-old made five significant clearances, two successful tackles and an interception to help his team secure their second clean sheet in the league this season after a four-month gap.  

Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG)

The captain of Mohun Bagan SG earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding leadership in the backline during the encounter against Odisha FC, a team boasting clinical strikers like Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio. Despite the formidable attacking prowess of the opposition, Bose showcased his defensive excellence by keeping a clean sheet. He made five successful tackles, four clearances, and an interception, contributing significantly to his team's resilient defensive performance.

Midfielders

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

The Spaniard has emerged as a pivotal figure in Bengaluru FC's attacking setup throughout the season. In Matchweek 16 against Hyderabad FC, Hernandez played a crucial role by securing the opener, contributing significantly to Bengaluru FC's fourth win of the season. Apart from his goal-scoring prowess, the attacking midfielder showcased his versatility by sending in six crosses into the box. On the defensive front, Hernandez made two crucial tackles, executed two clearances, and contributed an interception, highlighting his well-rounded impact on both ends of the pitch.

Deepak Tangri (Mohun Bagan SG)

In a challenging encounter against the star-studded Odisha FC in Matchweek 16, defensive midfielder Deepak Tangri played a crucial role in helping Mohun Bagan SG secure a clean sheet. The 25-year-old exhibited an outstanding defensive performance by winning back possession 11 times while registering five successful tackles, marking his highest numbers in any ISL game to date.

His stellar performance was particularly noteworthy as he faced formidable opponents in the likes of Krishna and Mauricio from Odisha FC's forward line. Tangri's defensive prowess played a pivotal role in thwarting the opposition's attacking threats and contributing to his team's solid defensive display.

Jeremy Manzarro (Jamshedpur FC)

The French midfielder, who had already showcased his prowess with a brace of direct freekicks in the previous Matchweek, continued to weave his set-piece magic in the Jamshedpur FC's latest fixture. Manzorro played a crucial role as the Men of Steel narrowly secured a victory against East Bengal FC, courtesy of his injury-time direct free-kick. This achievement solidified his position as only the second player in ISL history to score direct free-kicks in two successive matches, highlighting his exceptional skill and consistency.

Aberto Noguera (Mumbai City FC)

The Spanish midfielder has proven to be instrumental for the Islanders in their midfield. In the clash against Chennaiyin FC during Matchweek 16, Noguera showcased his exceptional playmaking skills by registering an impressive 92% passing accuracy. He successfully completed 45 passes out of his attempted 49, dictating the rhythm of the game from the midfield while also creating a goal-scoring chance for his team. On the defensive front, he made a significant impact with seven successful tackles, one clearance, and two interceptions. Noguera also contributed to the attacking dynamics by sending three crosses into the box, highlighting his influential presence in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game.

Forwards

Bipin Singh (Mumbai City FC)

Singh scored a memorable brace against Chennaiyin FC in Matchweek 16 to help his side extend their unbeaten run in the ISL against Chennaiyin FC to six games. Coming on as a super sub with only 22 minutes on the pitch, the 28-year-old became the difference between the two sides. 

Dimitrios Diamantakos (Kerala Blasters FC) (Captain)

With 10 goals to his name, Diamantakos currently holds the second spot on the top goal scorers chart of the ISL 2023-24 season, trailing behind Odisha FC forward Roy Krishna who has netted 11 goals. The Greek forward played a pivotal role in his team's historic comeback against FC Goa in Matchweek 16 as he was involved in all of their four goals. Notably, Diamantakos secured two crucial goals while setting up two goals.

Daisuke Sakai (Kerala Blasters FC)

The Japanese forward played a pivotal role in setting the stage for Kerala Blasters FC's remarkable comeback against FC Goa in Matchweek 16. The 27-year-old delivered a standout performance by scoring a sensational goal from a direct free-kick. Spearheading his team's resurgence, he played a crucial role in overturning a 2-0 deficit in the first half. The result saw Kerala Blasters FC secure all three points with a 2-4 scoreline.

Head coach: Ivan Vukomanovic (Kerala Blasters FC)