ISL 2023-24: Team of Matchweek One
As we head straight into Matchweek Two of ISL 2023-24, here is the best eleven from Matchweek One.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season started off with a number of enthralling fixtures. Each match had a number of spectacular moments and bar the last game of the Matchweek, each game ended with a good amount of goals.
Several players put in incredible shifts during the first Matchweek and helped their team achieve positive results. Some teams won and while others dropped points, it was the persistence and hard work of the players that caught the eye of the spectators.
As we head straight into Matchweek Two, here is the best eleven from Matchweek One.
Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper
TP Rehenesh (Jamshedpur FC)
The Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper was only the second goalkeeper to have kept a clean sheet in Matchweek One. He pulled off some fine saves and worked well with his team's defence to ensure that they did not concede against East Bengal FC in their season-opening fixture.
Defenders
Amey Ranawade (Odisha FC)
The Odisha FC full-back put in a good shift against Chennaiyin FC. His darting runs down the flanks troubled the Chennaiyin FC team significantly. He capped off his performance with an assist for Jerry Mawihmingthanga's goal in the match and also registered a clean sheet.
Elsinho (Jamshedpur FC)
The Jamshedpur FC central defender was rock solid against a relentless East Bengal FC and helped the Red Miners pick up a clean sheet in a tough away game in Kolkata. Elsinho kept the opposition at bay with his perfectly-timed blocks and interceptions, impressing on his ISL debut.
Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC)
The Senegalese centre-back put on a five-star show against Chennaiyin FC to make sure his team came away with the three points. His solid blocks and aerial prowess benefitted his team and reaffirmed his status as one of the best foreign centre-backs in the ISL.
Midfielders
Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant put in a dominant performance against the ISL debutants Punjab FC and Sahal Abdul Samad played a significant part in the win. His constant movements in and around the box and link-up play wreaked havoc in the Punjab FC defence. He capped off his impressive performance with an assist for the goal scored by Jason Cummings.
Lenny Rodrigues (Odisha FC)
The 36-year-old midfielder put up a solid performance for Odisha FC. His performance proved that age is just a number for him as he was almost everywhere on the pitch, proving to a vital link between the attack and defence. He played a big part in helping Odisha FC achieve a clean sheet and three points against Chennaiyin FC.
Saul Crespo (East Bengal FC)
Although the goals did not arrive for East Bengal FC in the Matchweek One, their midfielders appeared lively. One such performance was that of their Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo, who put in a fine shift against Jamshedpur FC. He came close to scoring multiple times during the match, however, fortune was not on his side.
Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)
The former Melbourne City FC midfielder had an incredible game for the Yellow Army. He combined well with his teammates and was involved in nearly early move for the hosts, throughout the game. He capitalised on a mistake by the Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu towards the end of the match to win his team the match against their southern rivals.
Forwards
Dimitri Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward was in fine form against ISL debutants Punjab FC as his team won with a resounding 3-1 scoreline. The Australian capped off a wonderful performance with a goal and an assist to ensure Mohun Bagan Super Giant started the season on a positive note.
Parthib Gogoi (Northeast United FC)
The 21-year-old Northeast United FC forward came back with a bang for the Highlanders. He was one of the top performers on the pitch and also scored a beautiful goal which brought NorthEast United FC back in the game against Mumbai City FC. However, it was not enough as his team lost the game 2-1 and could not get the three points.
CJorge Pereyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC)
The Argentine forward put in an incredible performance in Guwahati against NorthEast United FC. He scored two goals against the Highlanders to kickstart Mumbai City FC's ISL 2023-24 campaign.