Top forwards in the Hero ISL 2018-19 so far
The fifth edition of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) has been a breathtaking spectacle, largely owing to a greater emphasis on the attacking side of things from most of the teams in the league so far.
The fifth edition of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) has been a breathtaking spectacle, largely owing to a greater emphasis on the attacking side of things from most of the teams in the league so far. The influx of world-class talents from around the world has further supplemented and facilitated the urge to find the back of the net more consistently.
A total of 162 goals at a healthy average of 2.75 per game has made the Hero ISL a riveting watch and needless to say, this season has been a dreamland for attack-minded players. Here's a look at some of the most potent forwards who have lit up the Hero ISL so far.
Like the Islanders themselves, Sougou had a slow start to life in the Hero ISL. Signed in the summer of 2018, the former Marseille player's contribution was limited to just a couple of strikes as Mumbai struggled to pin down their squad composition in the early part of the season. However, as the season progressed, Mumbai and Sougou found their feet and have since been unstoppable. The Senegalese, who has nine goals to his name, also made it to the history books when he scored four past Kerala Blasters FC in the final match before the international break, thus becoming the first player in Hero ISL history to score four goals in a single match. He also became the highest scorer in a single season for Mumbai, breaking Sunil Chhetri's record of seven goals from the 2015 season. Sougou’s link-up play with winger Arnold Issoko has been particularly impressive and will be something the Islanders would be hoping to profit from once the league resumes in 2019. On a personal front, Sougou will also be chasing the coveted Golden Boot award this season. The striker is tied to the second spot in the top scorer's list with NorthEast United FC's Bartholomew Ogbeche with nine goals. Only FC Goa's Ferran Corominas has scored more with 10.
The Gaurs have by far been the most thrilling sides to watch so far, scoring a whopping 27 goals already this season. Sergio Lobera’s all-out attacking tactics could have hardly reached its lofty heights without the charismatic Ferran Corominas. The Spaniard, who recently equalled Iain Hume’s record for the most number of goals (28) scored in the Hero ISL, is also the top scorer this season with 10 goals to his name. However, as Lobera has constantly pointed out, Coro’s influence on the Goa side is not just limited to finishing off the chances at the attacking end of the pitch. The former Copa del Rey winner is equally efficient at creating chances too, highlighted by the league-high five assists he has notched up this season. Should the Gaurs be able to get their defensive side sorted, the Spaniard could singlehandedly guide them to the title.
Bartholomew Ogbeche (NothEast United FC)
Eelco Schattorie’s Highlanders have been like a wave of optimism and self-belief in the Hero ISL so far, epitomizing the right blend of passion and skill in their march for a playoff spot. Central to this unwavering NorthEast spirit has been their prolific striker Bartholomew Ogbeche. Playing in his first Hero ISL, the 34-year-old looked like the real deal right from the first time he donned the NorthEast shirt against FC Goa in their opening match of the season. Almost three months down the line, Ogbeche is already the all-time top scorer for NorthEast with nine goals. The striker’s hat-trick within 10 minutes in the match against Chennaiyin FC was the second-fastest in the Hero ISL history and a further testimony to the centre forward's immense goalscoring prowess.
The iconic Indian striker began the season in scintillating style, forming a telepathic understanding with strike partner Miku to spearhead the Blues’ rise to the top of the table. Scoring five goals in his first six matches, the Bengaluru captain looked like a man on a mission as the Blues hunted teams down with ease. However, an untimely injury to his Venezuelan strike partner seems to have directly affected Chhetri’s goal scoring form. He has failed to hit the back of the net in the subsequent five matches. However, the 34-year-old's hold up play in an around the opposition third has been as impressive as ever and his intelligent runs have continued to create space for his teammates. Carles Cuadrat will be hoping the break helps Chhetri reclaim his scoring touch as well.
Despite leading the Hero ISL 2018-19 table going into the winter break, Carles Cuadrat’s men have shown a slight dip in form in their last few matches. Although still unbeaten, the Blues have had to rely on late strikes in recent matches, perhaps pointing at a missing link in their otherwise solid armoury. Miku, without a shadow of a doubt, was the cohesive fulcrum who linked Bengaluru's midfield and attack in the early part of the campaign. The 33-year-old's injury was a huge blow for the Blues and it was evident from their displays on the pitch. Without Miku, Bengaluru have been pragmatic but with him, the Blues have looked like an unstoppable force. The former Getafe striker scored three and assisted a further two in the five matches he played before sustaining an ankle injury. With the winter break giving him enough time to rest and recover, expect a strong second half of the season from the Venezuelan once the Hero ISL resumes in 2019.
