Iain Hume has once again underlined his strong credentials with yet another power-packed performance that has led the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) fans to select him as their ‘Player of the Week’ for the week ending Sunday, December 14. The former Canadian international helped Kerala Blasters FC secure a stunning 3-0 victory against Chennaiyin FC in the first leg of the semi-final on their home turf. A nominee for the “Player of the Season” and “Forward of the Season” awards, the former Leicester City striker has been in fine form throughout the inaugural season of the ISL.Five goals and three assists over the course of the campaign by the Scottish-born forward, have contributed a vital element to the Blasters’ march to the final. Last week, Hume chipped in with another crucial goal against the fancied Chennaiyin side, when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box and powered it past the helpless keeper to make it 2-0 for his team. His tireless running and boundless energy made him a constant menace and a thorn in the side of the fabled Chennai defence.Throughout the first leg of the semi-final, Hume made plenty of clever runs in behind the defence and gave Italian legend Alessandro Nesta a torrid time. He also made it supremely difficult for the defenders to play the ball out as he was very efficient in closing them down by snapping at their heels on every occasion. Never shy to help out in defence, Hume was all over the pitch often winning tackles and setting his team off on the counter attack.Hume’s work ethic and never-say-die attitude have made him an instant fan favourite, which was reflected in the thousands of votes received by him in the ‘Player of the Week’ poll that he won comfortably by securing 62 per cent of the votes. The Kerala Blasters team and fans will be hoping that the talismanic Canadian carries his form into the final, for on his day, he can be a matchwinner all by himself.
