Indian Super League Gameweek 1: Team of the Week
Gameweek 1 of the 2020-21 season of the Indian Super League is over and we have seen some pretty amazing footballing action already.
Today we bring to you the best XI of the first gameweek of the season.
1. Subrata Paul - Goalkeeper - Hyderabad FC
The epitome of experience in the goalkeeping division of Indian football, Subrata Paul was excellent as he kept a clean-sheet for Hyderabad FC against Odisha FC. It was actually Hyderabad FC's first cleansheet since they joined the league.
2. Ashutosh Mehta - Defender - NorthEast United FC
Ashutosh Mehta helped NorthEast United FC beat his former club Mumbai City FC in the ISL opener.
The full-back was excellent against a tough Mumbai attack as he made 10 clearances and multiple interceptions in the game. He made five blocks and four tackles successfully against the Islanders.
3. Dylan Fox - Defender - NorthEast United FC
Another NEUFC defender on this list was Dylan Fox who was excellent in keeping out Mumbai City FC's dangerous attack at bay.
Most importantly, Fox won the penalty which led to the Highlanders scoring the winning goal of the game.
4. Akash Mishra - Defender - Hyderabad FC
At the age of just 18, Akash Mishra showed immense composure to represent Hyderabad at left-back against Odisha FC.
He was incredible on the flanks and deserves a spot in our list!
5. Odei Onaindia - Defender - Hyderabad FC
The third Hyderabad FC player in this list, Onaindia was the heartbeat of his side in their win against Odisha FC.
He maintained an 89% passing accuracy and also made five clearances and two successful interceptions in order to give his side a first ever win against their opponents on the night.
6. Khassa Camara - Midfielder - NorthEast United FC
On his debut in the Indian Super League, Khassa Camara came up with a match winning performance or the Highlanders against Mumbai City FC.
50% of Kamara's tackles in the game were successful, while all of his three interceptions were perfectly timed.
He also made two crucial blocks against Mumbai City FC and for us, was the man of the match in that clash.
7. Anirudh Thapa - Midfielder - Chennaiyin FC
There are many reasons for Anirudh Thapa to be on this list but this time, it is definitely because the Indian midfield star scored the fastest goal of the Indian Super League in the first minute of Chennaiyin's 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC.
Thapa additionally made three clearances and five tackles in the game.
8. Aitor Monroy - Midfielder - Jamshedpur FC
With a passing accuracy of an incredible 80% Aitor Monroy was Jamshedpur FC's best player against Chennaiyin FC.
He created two chances for his side too. While he had great contributions from midfield, Monroy also helped his team's defence by shield and clearing some dangerous balls into Jamshedpur's box.
9. Aridane Santana - Forward - Hyderabad FC
Featuring for Hyderabad FC against his former club Odisha FC, Aridane Santana scored from a penalty to hand his side a win over Odisha. He also created one big chance for his team which was unfortunately not converted into a goal.
10. Esmael Goncalves - Forward - Chennaiyin FC
Anirudh Thapa seemed to have found the perfect striker ahead of him to understand his vision, Esmael Goncalves.
The Guinea based striker assisted Thapa for Chennaiyin's goal and then also converted a penalty in the same game to score their second goal of the tie.
11. Igor Angulo - Forward - FC Goa
Spanish striker Igor Angulo was instrumental in FC Goa's excellent comeback against Bengaluru FC from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.
Angulo scored both goals for FC Goa as he earned a vital point for his side.