Hero ISL 2021-22 Round 20: Team of the Week
The Round 20 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 witnessed enthralling encounters, exceptional performances, and high-voltage drama as the battle for the top four kept calling for a cut above the ordinary exhibition.
The Round 20 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 witnessed enthralling encounters, exceptional performances, and high-voltage drama as the battle for the top four kept calling for a cut above the ordinary exhibition.
Bengaluru FC commenced the round with a resounding 2-1 victory over Odisha FC, unrelenting in their pursuit for the top four spot. In the next bout, Mumbai City FC edged past SC East Bengal in a narrow 1-0 win.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC remained unshakable at the pole position as they overpowered Kerala Blasters FC in a 2-1 victory, dealing a huge blow in their top four ambitions. Subsequently, Odisha FC and ATK Mohun Bagan shared the spoils in the next match, with the latter extending their unbeaten run to 13 games.
Then, Jamshedpur FC exhibited yet another stellar performance as they triumphed over NorthEast United FC in a thrilling encounter. The Saturday double header presented a power-packed showdown, with Kerala Blasters completing the league double over arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC, thus inching closer to a top-four berth. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC remained firmly in their top four spot with a comfortable 2-0 victory over FC Goa.
At the end of an intriguing Round 20, here is the Hero ISL Team of the Week.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Mohammad Nawaz (Mumbai City FC) - 8.5
The custodian was flawless for his side across both fixtures as he not only kept two clean sheets but also made a total of nine saves including a penalty save against FC Goa, amplifying the Islanders’ title hopes.
Defenders
Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (Mumbai City FC) - 7.89
The defender remained resolute in both the games, which included five interceptions, five blocks, four tackles, and two clearances, holding the backline firmly.
Mehtab Singh (Mumbai City FC) - 7.68
Singh displayed a phenomenal performance across both games. In the first game against SC East Bengal, the defender made three clearances and blocks each, one interception and tackle apiece. In the next game against FC Goa, Singh won the Hero of the Match Award as he opened the scoring with a beautiful goal and made three clearances, two tackles, and a block.
Sanjeev Stalin (Kerala Blasters FC) - 7.25
Stalin was influential for his side as he provided an assist and created three goalscoring chances against Chennaiyin FC.
Marko Leskovic (Kerala Blasters FC) -7.15
The defender guarded the backline with seven clearances, three tackles, and two blocks across both the games coupled with a passing accuracy of 94%.
Midfielders
Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC) - 8.83
The Blasters’ midfield magician showcased yet another brilliant performance as he created seven goalscoring chances, made eight tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance against Hyderabad FC. In the game against Chennaiyin FC, Luna netted one, provided an assist as well as created a goalscoring chances besides making two blocks and a tackle.
Joni Kauko (ATK Mohun Bagan) - 7.73
The Finnish midfielder converted from the spot to equalise the game while also creating two chances, helping his side extend their unbeaten run.
Cassio Gabriel (Mumbai City FC) - 7.32
Gabriel created two goalscoring chances and made two interceptions and clearances apiece, and a block in the first game. In the next game, the midfielder displayed a quality performance as he provided an assist and created a goalscoring chance alongside making three blocks, two clearances, and one tackle.
Forwards
Jorge Diaz (Kerala Blasters FC) - 8.45
After returning from a suspension, Diaz put his name back on the scoresheet with a brace against Chennaiyin FC, escalating his team closer to the semi-finals.
Greg Stewart (Jamshedpur FC) - 8.83
It’s not surprising to see Stewart here, a regular in the Hero ISL Team of the Week. The Scotsman netted one and provided an assist in the encounter against NorthEast United FC while also creating three goalscoring chances.
Bipin Singh (Mumbai City FC) - 8.29
Singh, who’s been racking up goals of late, won the Hero of the Match Award in the encounter against SC East Bengal as he netted the only goal of the match, sealing the three points for his side and boosting their top four hopes.
Mumbai City FC 1-0 SC East Bengal
Hyderabad FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC
NorthEast United FC 2-3 Jamshedpur FC
