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The sixth week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.
FC Pune City became the first team to stop FC Goa from scoring, while Jamshedpur FC recorded a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the first ever “Steel Derby”. Mumbai City FC too recorded their first away win of ISL 2017/18 winning 2-0 against NorthEast United.
In this article, we look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out among the rest:
Jonatan Lucca - FC Pune City
Jonatan Lucca came on as a substitute against FC Goa but he still made a big impact by scoring FC Pune City’s 2nd goal by slotting home from close range following a scramble in the box.
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The Brazilian’s goal sealed the win for FC Pune City and inflicted the first home defeat for FC Goa. Lucca’s technique helped FC Pune City to keep the ball well and take the sting out of the match.
The former FC Goa midfielder also contributed defensively and worked hard. Lucca is still to perform consistently in this ISL and the Stallions will hope that the goal and the performance in his last game is a sign of things to come.
Trindade Goncalves - Jamshedpur FC
Trindade Goncalves showed nerves of steel to convert a 90th minute penalty to help Jamshedpur FC register only their 2nd win of the season against Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerva Stadium.
Trindade impressed with his energy and range of passing while also contributing defensively for his side. Playing as the most advanced midfielder in a midfield 3 consisting of Memo and Mehtab Hossain, Trindade has been one of Jamshedpur’s biggest threats going forward attempting 12 shots so far, the most by a Jamshedpur FC player. Playing in his second ISL season, this was also the young Brazilian’s first goal in ISL.
Achille Emana - Mumbai City FC
Achille Emana produced a superb performance against NorthEast United dominating the midfield with his ball carrying ability and physicality. The burly midfielder assisted both of Mumbai City FC’s goals helping them register their first away win of the campaign.
Emana's second assist was more impressive given how unselfishly he set up Balwant despite himself having the chance to score. The 35-year old makes Mumbai City FC tick, which is further highlighted by his tally of 275 passes, the most by a Mumbai City FC player. He has also contributed defensively having made 15 tackles so far this season.
CK Vineeth - Kerala Blasters
Last season’s highest Indian goal scorer with 5 goals had endured an ISL to forget so far missing presentable chances and also being sent-off for diving. However, Vineeth returned to the starting line-up after serving his ban and the 29-year old scored his first goal of the season against NorthEast United helping Kerala Blasters record their first win of ISL 2017.
He once again made a decisive intervention, scoring a 90th minute equalizer against Chennaiyin FC to prevent Kerala Blasters suffering another defeat and proving his ability to deliver when required.
Vineeth displayed the pace, clever movement and finishing he is known for on the night. Given how crucial he is for Kerala Blasters the 'Manjappada' will hope his return to goal scoring form augurs well for Kerala Blasters in the matches to come.
Adil Khan - FC Pune City
The curly haired midfielder ended his 2-match scoring run but still produced a man of the match performance against FC Goa. Adil Khan's performance in front of the defence played a big part in FC Pune City becoming the first team to keep a clean sheet against FC Goa this season.
The 29-year-old was superb snapping into tackles and covering the spaces in front of the defence. His brilliant performance meant FC Goa’s array of play makers couldn’t get in to their stride and dictate play. He has attempted 16 tackles in 5 matches and has been one of India’s brightest midfielders of ISL 2017/18.
