ISL 2023-24: Team of Matchweek 19
As we step into the international break, anticipating Matchweek 20, let’s take a look at the players who outshined the rest to make it into the Team of Matchweek 19.
Matchweek 19 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season was filled with fiery competition, nail-biters, and goals galore, showcasing a remarkable 26 goals in its six matches.
With Odisha FC and Jamshedpur FC kept out of action, Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa played two matches each. Chennaiyin FC remained the only team to have not found the net this week, while Mohun Bagan SG bagged seven goals in two matches.
.@HydFCOfficial dominate the #ISLTOTW for MW 1️⃣ 9️⃣ 🤩
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 15, 2024
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Hyderabad FC finally registered their first league win this season, scraping past Chennaiyin FC with a 1-0 scoreline, while Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC tied at the top of the table with 39 points each, with the former having a game in hand.
With a fortnight left for the resumption of the league in Matchweek 20, we have selected the best eleven players from Matchweek 19 with a 3-4-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Laxmikant Kattimani (Hyderabad FC) (Captain)
The Hyderabad FC custodian made seven saves against Chennaiyin FC in Matchweek 19, the highest such tally by any goalkeeper in a single game this week. His four saves from inside the box are the joint-highest by any goalkeeper in a single game this week (also achieved by Ravi Kumar from Punjab FC). To accompany this, he also made seven significant clearances in Chennai, securing his team their first clean sheet of the season.
Defenders
Sajad Parray (Hyderabad FC)
The Hyderabad FC defender caught attention this week for his performance on the other end of the pitch, away from where he usually operates. With eight clearances alongside his lone successful tackle and an interception, Parray secured his first-ever ISL goal in the form of Hyderabad FC’s winner against Chennaiyin FC. Parray’s decisive goal also earned his team their first league win of the season.
Odei Onaindia (FC Goa)
Taking on Punjab FC in their first fixture of Matchweek 19, the Spaniard completed 41 passes out of 45 attempts, achieving an exceptional 91% passing accuracy. In the final game of Matchweek 19 against Bengaluru FC, Onaindia scored the equalizer for his team, ultimately enabling FC Goa to secure three points after coming back from a 1-0 deficit. Throughout the week, he registered a total of six clearances and an interception.
Alex Saji (Hyderabad FC)
Saji's impressive performance in the backline of Hyderabad FC, consisting of 13 clearances and an interception against Chennaiyin FC in Matchweek 19, played a crucial role in his team securing their first clean sheet of the ISL 2023-24 season. This stellar defensive effort ultimately led to Hyderabad FC clinching their first league win this season after 19 matches.
Midfielders
Madih Talal (Punjab FC)
Madih Talal notched up two assists despite an expected assists (xA) tally of 0.12 against FC Goa in Matchweek 19. His expected assist differential value of 1.88 ranks as the third-highest such tally by any player in a single game this season. Remarkably, he stands as the sole player to record multiple assists in a single game this week.
Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)
Yoel van Nieff delivered a sublime assist to Vikram Partap Singh for the opener in their commanding 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC. Additionally, he showcased his scoring prowess by converting from the spot just seconds before the halftime whistle. The Dutchman's impactful performance included a total of 11 crosses in the game against NorthEast United FC, ranking as the third highest among all players in a single game in Matchweek 19, behind Brandon Fernandes with 20 crosses and Dimitri Petratos with 15.
Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters FC)
The midfielder for Kerala Blasters FC secured his first ISL goal, equalizing against Mohun Bagan SG in Matchweek 19. The 21-year-old also contributed by creating a goal-scoring opportunity for the Blasters and delivering four crosses. Mohanan showcased his passing skills with an 87% accuracy, completing 59 out of 68 attempted passes.
Vikram Partap Singh (Mumbai City FC)
The Punjab-born player has been in magnificent form since the ISL 2023-24 season resumed its second half. The 22-year-old displayed exceptional skill by scoring a hat-trick against NorthEast United FC in Matchweek 19, making him the second youngest player (at 22 years and 56 days) to achieve this feat in the league's history, following Kiyan Nassiri (at 21 years and 73 days). Singh's performance was further highlighted by his non-penalty expected goals (xG) tally of 1.57 against NorthEast United FC this week, the highest recorded by any player in a single game this season.
Forwards
Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan SG)
Against East Bengal FC in Matchweek 19, Petratos delivered 15 crosses, ranking second highest in a single game this matchweek, trailing behind Brandon Fernandes (20). Additionally, he showcased precise passing with 93% accuracy, completing 13 of his 14 attempted passes. Petratos further distinguished himself by scoring a goal and providing a couple of assists in his two appearances during Matchweek 19.
Luka Majcen (Punjab FC)
The Slovenian has been an integral part of the Punjab FC squad since the beginning of the season. Majcen added to his tally by scoring his seventh goal of the season against FC Goa in Matchweek 19, while also contributing with an assist. The trio of Wilmar Jordan, Luka Majcen, and Madih Talal has been instrumental in leading the Shers to the seventh position, making them a serious contender for the final playoff berth.
Armando Sadiku (Mohun Bagan SG)
Armando Sadiku netted two goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 0.11 in the match against Kerala Blasters FC during Matchweek 19. His xG differential (goals - expected goals) of 1.89 is tied for the second-highest, alongside Jeremy Manzorro, recorded by any player in a single game in the ongoing ISL season, following Daniel Chima Chukwu (2.49).
Head coach: Thangboi Singto (Hyderabad FC)