ISL 2021/22: 5 players to watch in the semi-final

The 2021/22 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has reached the penultimate phase with the playoffs scheduled to start on Friday, with Jamshedpur FC facing Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC taking on ATK Mohun Bagan over two legs.

You can have a look at the previews for semi-final 1 here and semi-final 2 here.

There have been a number of brilliant performances from various players so far which has given us one of the most exciting ISL campaigns in recent memory.

So today, we take a look at five players who will be key for their teams in the play-off stage.

1. Bartholomew Ogbeche (Hyderabad FC)

Ogbeche has been key for Hyderabad / ISL

That Hyderabad qualified for the playoffs for the first time in their history is due to the brilliance of Bartholomew Ogbeche, with the striker scoring a staggering 17 goals so far.

The Nigerian is the all-time goalscorer in ISL history and he will need to be in top form if his side are to qualify for the finals.

2. Alvaro Vazquez Garcia (Kerala Blasters FC)

Garcia has been an inspired signing for Kerala /

Signed by Kerala Blasters amid great expectations, it would be safe to say that Alvaro Vazquez Garcia has lived up to the hype, especially after having a difficult start to the season.

The Spaniard has scored eight goals and registered one assist so far this season and with the talent he possesses, he could well turn out to be the trump card for his side.

3. Greg Stewart (Jamshedpur FC)

Stewart is Jamshedpur's most important player / ISL

There is no more important player for Owen Coyle at Jamshedpur FC then Greg Stewart, with the striker playing a key role in their run this season - one which included winning the League Winners Shield for the first time in their history.

The 31-year-old has scored 10 goals and registered 10 assists so far, with Kerala no doubt aware that he could turn the game on his head in a moment.

4. Adrian Luna (Kerala Blasters FC)

Luna has been highly influential this season / ISL

Adrian Luna has been a highly influential playmaker for Kerala Blasters this season, as he not only creates chances for his fellow team-mates - but also scores when the opportunity arises.

The 29-year-old has scored five goals and registered seven assists so far and it will be interesting to see whether he can exert the same control against Jamshedpur.

5. Amrinder Singh (ATK Mohun Bagan)

Amrinder Singh has been excellent this season / ISL

The goalkeeper with the most number of saves in the Indian Super League this season, ATK Mohun Bagan star Amrinder Singh will once again be crucial to help his side in the play-offs.

Singh has made a remarkable 55 saves in the 20 games he has played in the 2021-22 ISL season and could prove to be the only difference in the semi-final clash between ATK Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad FC.