It has been another action-packed week in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22, with some breath-taking encounters adding the extra flair as always. The highlight of the week was the Kolkata derby, where ATK-Mohun Bagan scripted a remarkable 3-1 win and kept their 100% record in the league intact over their arch-rivals.

Hyderabad FC registered back-to-back wins to cement their position at the top of the league table, while Jamshedpur FC edged past FC Goa by a goal from new recruit Daniel Chima Chukwu to move up the pecking order. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC also furthered their claim for a top-four spot with a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC, thus ending the latter’s 10-match unbeaten streak.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC suffered a humiliating 0-5 defeat against Hyderabad FC, meanwhile FC Goa could only salvage a point from the Odisha FC game after a loss to Jamshedpur FC. In the last game, SC East Bengal overturned a two-goal deficit to claim a point.

Here is the Hero ISL 2021-22 Team of the Week after round 15:

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh (Bengaluru FC) - 8.55

The Indian international lived up to his reputation, with his vital contributions helping Bengaluru FC earn three points in their match against Kerala Blasters FC. Despite 13 attempts, out of which five were on target, the custodian stood his ground and kept a clean sheet to amplify the Blues’ title hopes.

Defenders:

Prabir Das (ATK Mohun Bagan) - 7.63

The defender might not have got ample opportunities to showcase his skills, but he surely grabbed the attention when he was given one. Prabir Das was a live wire in the side-back position during the high-voltage Kolkata derby, as he made swift runs down the wings and posed a threat on the overlap. He completed a total of 51 passes, at an accuracy of 89%, with six crosses, apart from his usual defensive duties.

Asish Rai (Hyderabad FC)- 7.48

Even though it was a complete demolition, Hyderabad FC could have easily conceded a couple in their 5-0 win over SC East Bengal. However, some exceptional defending from Asish Rai did not allow for that to happen. The footballer was involved in attacking moves too, as he completed four crosses, with his usual exploits - seven tackles, two clearances, one interception and four blocks.

Anwar Ali (FC Goa) - 7.15

It has been a memorable debut season for Anwar Ali in the Hero ISL, simultaneously adding the much needed solidity to FC Goa’s defence. In the match against Odisha FC, Anwar completed 45 passes, with 93% accuracy, with five tackles, four clearances and three blocks.

Akash Mishra (Hyderabad FC) - 7.99

The hard-working footballer has always been a first choice for head coach Manuel Marquez for providing stability at the back. However, he is much more than just a defender. In the match against NorthEast United FC, he took two shots on target and scored once, going along with two clearances and three blocks.

Roshan Naorem (Bengaluru FC) - 8.97

The side-back has been on the radar for quite some time now this season, but really needed a push to gain attention. However, it was not only his defensive role that earned him accolades this time around, but his sensational goal from a free-kick, which was also the winner against Kerala Blasters FC that made him an overnight hero.

Midfielders :

Nikhil Poojary (Hyderabad FC) - 8

Having worked out of his skin throughout the season, he finally reaped the results against NorthEast United FC, as he scored once and also provided two chances in the same. Poojary made 23 passes during the game and also made five crosses.

Edu Bedia (FC Goa)- 7.86

Edu Bedia just did what he does best, make passes and create opportunities. The Spaniard once again played a pivotal role in FC Goa’s 1-1 draw against Odisha FC, as he made 80 passes (85% accuracy), produced two crosses and created a couple of chances.

Darren Sidoel (SC East Bengal) - 8.48

SC East Bengal had struggled to find goals, but Darren Sidoel is finally putting an end to their woes. The footballer gave his team a lead during the Kolkata derby against ATK Mohun Bagan and also provided a vital strike against Chennaiyin FC, which allowed them to comeback from a two-goal deficit and earn a point.

Forwards:

Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC) - 8.83

You cannot ignore him, can you? The Nigerian striker scored a brace against a hapless NorthEast United FC side, as he surpassed Sunil Chhetri and Ferran Corominhas to become the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of the Hero ISL.

Kiyan Nassiri (ATK Mohun Bagan) - 9.34

The youngster, who has been occasionally treated with game time in the dying minutes, was looking for a breakthrough performance, but few would have expected him to deliver that in the Kolkata derby. A sensational hat-trick from Kiyan Nassiri helped the Mariners claim three points over their arch-rivals SC East Bengal.