Hero ISL 2022-23: Experts pick their best individual performance from the season
With the end of another remarkable season, Hero ISL experts Phil Brown, Erik Paartalu, and Paul Masefield went about picking their best individual performance from the campaign.
The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season was an exhilarating ride from start to finish. Now that it’s over, it’s time to look back at some of the jaw-dropping individual performances from the season.
Despite football being a team game, sometimes individual brilliance throughout the season can inspire the whole team to a memorable campaign.
With the end of another remarkable season, Hero ISL experts Phil Brown, Erik Paartalu, and Paul Masefield went about picking their best individual performance from the campaign.
Phil Brown: Abdenasser El Khayati vs. NorthEast United FC
The Marina Machans came into this game on the back of two successive defeats and their next against NorthEast United FC had become crucial to keep themselves higher up on the points table. Chennaiyin FC thrashed the Highlanders 7-3 in a statement victory, thanks to Abdenasser El Khayati's record-breaking performance. The Dutch midfielder was phenomenal that night as he bagged a hat-trick and assisted two more to set a new Hero ISL record for most goal contributions in a match.
Erik Paartalu: Lallianzuala Chhangte
When talking about individual performances at this Hero ISL season, there is one player who stands out, and that is Lallianzuala Chhangte. The 25-year-old Mizo winger scooped the Hero of the League award after his incredible season with Mumbai City FC. Chhangte scored 10 goals - a career-high - and provided six assists as Des Buckingham’s men continued to assert dominance in the Hero ISL. His brilliance was best exemplified against Odisha FC when he netted two goals and assisted one more in a 4-2 victory for the Islanders.
Paul Masefield: Abdenasser El Khayati vs. NorthEast United FC
Definitely, El Khayati in that 7-3 win over NorthEast United FC. Unfortunately, NorthEast United FC were incredibly poor throughout the season, but I tell you something, El Khayati on that day was unplayable. An absolutely stunning hat trick as well. The way he took his goals was sublime, and I just thought that no one at all could get close to him at any stage of that game.
