ISL 2023-24: Team of Matchweek 20
Three players each from Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC make it to our playing eleven with Owen Coyle as head coach.
In Matchweek 20 of the Indian Super League (ISL), the competition for both the League Shield and the final playoff spot intensified. Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC were among the teams that played two fixtures, experiencing contrasting outcomes.
Odisha FC remained unbeaten, securing a victory against Punjab FC and a draw against Bengaluru FC, while Kerala Blasters FC struggled, managing only a draw against Jamshedpur FC before succumbing to a defeat against East Bengal FC at home.
In addition to East Bengal FC, Chennaiyin FC staged an impressive comeback win during Matchweek 20, both teams keeping their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, league leaders Mumbai City FC secured their 13th win of the season by defeating Hyderabad FC, extending their lead at the summit by five points.
Among the crucial results for these clubs, several players stood out, playing pivotal roles in their teams' successes and bolstering their aspirations as the season approaches its conclusion.
Here's a glance at the standout performers who have earned a spot in our ISL Team of the Week for Matchweek 20, with players from Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC dominating the list.
Goalkeeper
Debjit Majumder
In their recent thrilling 3-2 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennaiyin FC showcased their resilience by coming from behind to clinch all three points. However, the triumph in Kolkata wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Debjit Majumder.
Facing his former club, Majumder exhibited his experience and skill by making a remarkable 11 saves throughout the match. This achievement now stands as a joint-highest record for the most saves in a single game in ISL history. At 36 years old, Majumder not only delivered one of his finest displays but also demonstrated his ability to excel at the highest level, solidifying his importance within the team.
Defenders
Mourtada Fall
Fall played a pivotal role in Odisha FC's undefeated run during Matchweek 20, contributing significantly to their performances in both fixtures. In their first match, an away draw against Bengaluru FC, Fall showcased his defensive prowess by marshalling the backline and making a crucial goal-line clearance, ensuring his team secured a clean sheet in the goalless stalemate. His commanding presence was instrumental in frustrating Bengaluru FC's attacking efforts.
Despite conceding a goal in their subsequent match against Punjab FC, Fall continued to lead the defensive line admirably, limiting Punjab's scoring opportunities and aiding his team's efforts to secure a vital victory. Additionally, he made a notable contribution to Odisha FC's attacking play by providing an assist in their 3-1 win, further highlighting his versatility.
Fall's performances not only helped Odisha FC maintain their unbeaten home record for the season but also played a crucial role in earning valuable points for his team as they strive to achieve their objectives in the league.
Mehtab Singh
Singh delivered a standout performance for Mumbai City FC in their commanding victory over Hyderabad FC, making significant contributions at both ends of the pitch. The centre-back played a crucial role in helping his team secure a clean sheet, showcasing his defensive prowess with eight clearances to thwart Hyderabad FC's attacking threats effectively.
However, Singh's impact wasn't limited to his defensive duties alone. He also made a notable contribution in the attacking third, notching his first goal of the season with a well-executed header. This goal added to Mumbai City FC's lead and further solidified their dominance in the match.
Ryan Edwards
Edwards played a crucial role in Chennaiyin FC's exhilarating comeback victory against Mohun Bagan SG in Kolkata. As the captain of the team, he led by example by finding the back of the net himself, contributing a vital goal that propelled his side to victory. Edwards demonstrated his aerial prowess by rising highest to head home from a corner, ultimately giving Chennaiyin FC the lead after initially conceding.
While Chennaiyin FC couldn't maintain a clean sheet, Edwards displayed commendable defensive resolve throughout the match, fulfilling his defensive duties with skill and determination. His leadership both in attack and defense proved instrumental in securing an important win for Chennaiyin FC in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
Midfielders
Lallianzuala Chhangte
Chhangte continued his impressive run for Mumbai City FC with a well-taken goal against Hyderabad FC, marking his fifth goal of the season. The goal came as a result of a clinical counter-attack, showcasing Chhangte's ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities when they arise. With this goal, Chhangte has now been directly involved in a total of 10 goals this season, underlining his significant contribution to Mumbai City FC's success.
Beyond his scoring prowess, Chhangte also demonstrated his creative abilities by generating five scoring opportunities for his team during the match against Hyderabad FC.
Saul Crespo
Crespo showcased his goal-scoring abilities by netting a brace against Kerala Blasters FC, playing a pivotal role in guiding his team to a remarkable comeback victory in Kochi. This impressive performance marked Crespo's second consecutive game finding the back of the net since his return from injury, having previously scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the Kolkata Derby.
The Spanish midfielder demonstrated his composure and precision by scoring from both the penalty spot and open play, showcasing his effectiveness in front of goal. His first goal came from a well-converted penalty, followed by a smart finish from close range during open play.
Crespo's brace not only secured the victory for his team but also played a significant part in revitalising their playoff aspirations.
Joni Kauko
Since his arrival at the club during the January transfer window, Kauko scored his first goal for the team after finding the back of the net against Chennaiyin FC.
Displaying his attacking prowess, the midfielder executed a fine strike after executing a late run into the box, highlighting his instincts in front of goal. Despite ending up on the losing side with Chennaiyin FC securing the win, Kauko proved to be a constant threat to the opposition with his intelligent movements and adept playmaking skills for the Mariners.
Isak Vanlalruatfela
Vanlalruatfela had a subdued performance in Odisha FC's goalless draw against Bengaluru FC, but he quickly made his mark in the subsequent match against Punjab FC. The young winger scored a stunning strike into the top corner, marking his third goal of the season. Throughout the game, the 22-year-old displayed his dynamism by actively linking up with his teammates and consistently providing them with quality service, proving to be a livewire.
Forwards
Naorem Mahesh
Following in the footsteps of Crespo, Mahesh delivered a standout performance by scoring a brace during East Bengal FC's thrilling comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC. The winger demonstrated his prowess in front of goal with two well-taken strikes from inside the box, showcasing his clinical finishing abilities against his former club.
Additionally, Mahesh proved to be a constant threat to the Kerala Blasters FC defence, creating four chances for his team. With this impressive display, Mahesh has now tallied four goals for the team, doubling his goal tally from the previous season.
Diego Maurico
Mauricio was given a brief rest in Odisha FC's match against Bengaluru FC, seeing just six minutes of playing time as Roy Krishna took his place in the starting lineup. However, Mauricio returned to the starting eleven in the subsequent game against Punjab FC and made a significant impact with a brace, helping propel his team to a comfortable victory. The Brazilian striker opened the scoring with a powerful header in the first half before adding to his tally with a calm penalty in the second half. With these goals, Mauricio increased his season's goal tally to nine and currently trails the club's leading goalscorer Roy Krishna by just three goals. His contributions were crucial in securing the win for Odisha FC and showcased his importance as a prolific goalscorer for the team.
Irfan Yadwad
Yadwad came on in the dying stages in the game against Mohun Bagan SG, coming off the bench in the 88th minute. However, he scored the winner for his side in the injury time, resulting in a dramatic comeback win for Chennaiyin FC right after the home team had equalised in injury time. Yadwad’s goal was important, helping the team keep their playoff hopes alive. In what was the last kick of the game, the forward made a fine run and rolled the ball past his marker before slotting into an empty net. This was his first goal of the season and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Head coach: Owen Coyle