ISL 2017: 5 best forwards of Round 5

The fifth week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.

At the top of the table, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC are all tied at 12 points while Kerala Blasters and ATK recorded their first wins of ISL and managed to climb their way out of the foot of the table.

In this article, we take a closer look at 5 forwards whose performances stood out from the rest:

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#5 Robin Singh - ATK

Robin Singh combined well with Zequinha to provide ATK their first win (Photo: ISL)

Robin Singh had struggled to impose himself at ATK so far this season and had looked shadow of himself. However, the former FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos striker reminded everyone of his qualities by scoring from a tight angle against Mumbai City FC helping ATK register their first win of the campaign.

The 27-year-old linked play well and also did well with his back to the goal holding the ball and allowing his teammates to join the attack. His movement pulled the Mumbai City FC defenders all over the place due to which Zequinha nearly profited. ATK and Robin Singh will hope that the goal and the performance is a sign of better things to come.

#4 Jeje Lalpekhlua - Chennaiyin FC

Jeje scored in the 5th minute against Bengaluru FC (Photo: ISL)

Jeje opened the scoring against Bengaluru FC when he capitalized on a poor clearance highlighting his poacher’s instinct and awareness in the box. The 26-year-old has scored 3 goals in his last 2 starts with Chennaiyin FC, playing a crucial part in winning both of those matches.

The highest Indian goalscorer in ISL history is also Chennaiyin FC’s top scorer this season and has already matched his overall tally for last season. Jeje’s form is good news for the Super Machans as his replacement Mohammed Rafi missed a number of presentable chances against Mumbai City FC.

Jeje’s pace, deadly shooting and his ability to create space for others means Chennaiyin FC are a much better team with him in the starting lineup.

#3 Miku - Bengaluru FC

Miku netted a brace against FC Pune City (Photo: ISL)

The Venezuelan striker didn’t have the best of games against Chennaiyin FC with Bengaluru FC losing the Southern Derby, but the experienced striker proved his credentials and enjoyed a much better outing against FC Pune City.

Miku scored twice and helped Bengaluru FC comeback from 1-0 down to defeat the Stallions on the night. The former Getafe marksman displayed skill, work rate and lethal finishing and was duly rewarded with a couple of goals.

It was the fourth consecutive match in which Miku had scored, taking his tally for the season to 6 goals making him the 2nd highest scorer of this year's competition.

Miku has shown glimpses of his undoubted potential and if he continues in the same fashion, the 32-year old will definitely be among the top scorers of ISL 2017-18. His performance against FC Goa showed why he has earned over 50 caps for the Venezuelan national team.

#2 Ferran Corominas - FC Goa

Coro is the leading goal-scorer of the tournament (Photo: ISL)

Coro proved his predatory skills against Delhi Dynamos after he stabbed home from close range following an error by the Dynamos goalkeeper. He also provided the assist for Manuel Lanzarote’s goal which doubled FC Goa’s lead going into the break.

The 33-year old’s quality and influence can be highlighted by the fact that despite playing less than 60 minutes he contributed with a goal and an assist. Coro is the top scorer of the ISL with 8 goals and is looking likely to score more. The former Espanyol striker has vowed FC Goa fans with his twinkle toes, technique, vision and work rate. Coro has contributed attacking returns in all the 5 matches so far this season.

#1 Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru FC

Chhetri continued his goal-scoring form against Chennaiyin FC (Photo: ISL)

Sunil Chhetri scored in both of Bengaluru FC’s matches including a leveler against Chennaiyin FC the derby game. The Indian national team captain was a constant threat to the opposition with his movement and shooting and also set up a number of chances for his teammates with his vision and quick thinking.

The 33-year-old has already formed a decent partnership with fellow striker Miku which bodes well for Bengaluru FC in the matches to come. The record Indian goalscorer has so far contributed with 3 goals and an assist. His increased goal threat in ISL 2017/18 can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 16 shots joint most by a player in the competition till now.