ISL 2017/18: 5 best midfielders of Round 13 

The 13th week of ISL 2017/18 has come to an end and in the 4 games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.

Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC continued their winning runs, Bengaluru FC became the first team to reach the semi-finals, while NorthEast United and Delhi Dynamos were knocked out of the race for the semi-finals.

In this article, we look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out among the rest!

#5 Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor produced a superb performance against Kerala Blasters salvaging a draw all by himself. In a disappointing result, he was perhaps the only positive for ATK.

The 33-year old scored the first goal with a sweet strike via a deflection. The former Newcastle midfielder then assisted Tom Thorpe’s goal with a fine cross.

Taylor was the most creative player of the match creating 5 chances. He helped ATK take control of the match through his intelligence and passing, he attempted the most passes by a player in the match.

The Englishman’s set pieces were dangerous throughout the match causing problems for the Kerala Blasters defence.

#4 Dimas Delgado

Dimas Delgado helped Bengaluru FC become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.

Dimas Delgado was brought against FC Goa due to his ability to retain the ball and start the attacks from deep.

Up against Ahmed Jahouh and Edu Bedia, two of the best midfielders of ISL 2017/18 in terms of getting on the ball and helping FC Goa to take control of the match, Dimas held on his own and helped Bengaluru FC dominate the match hardly letting FC Goa attackers get a sniff of the goal.

The Spaniard also scored the 2nd goal to seal the match for Bengaluru FC and also helping them become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals.

#3 Edu Garcia

Edu Garcia has been the unsung hero of Bengaluru FC’s successful campaign so far.

Edu Garcia scored the opening goal against FC Goa heading into the top corner from a corner after taking advantage of some slack defending by FC Goa.

This was his 2nd goal since his strike in Bengaluru FC’s win against Mumbai City FC in their opening match.

The Spaniard caused problems for FC Goa’s defence, throughout the match, with his incisive passing and his ability to skip past the challenges.

The 27-year old has now contributed 7 goals (2 goals and 5 assists), the most by a midfielder in ISL 2017/18 and has been one of the unsung heroes of Bengaluru FC’s successful campaign so far.

#2 Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov’s return to form is a big boost for Kerala Blasters.

Dimitar Berbatov had so far been a shadow of himself alternating between sublime performances in one match to being labouring and uninspiring in the next match, the constant niggles and injuries didn’t help his cause.

The former Manchester United forward rolled back the years with a fine performance against ATK. The 38-year old scored a superb volley to give Kerala Blasters the lead which they couldn’t hold on until the end. The former Bulgarian international scored a cracking volley rolling back the years.

He attempted 47 passes and had a pass completion rate of 79% helping start Kerala Blasters attack from deep. Berbatov’s return to form is a big boost for Kerala Blasters in their pursuit for a semi-final place.

#1 Wellington Priori

Since Wellington Priori's arrival, Jamshedpur FC have won 5 out of their 6 matches.

Jamshedpur FC acquired Wellington Priori and he has made an instant impact. The Brazilian scored one of the best goals of the tournament with a spectacular overhead kick against his former team NorthEast United.

Wellington has contributed 2 goals and an assist in the 6 matches so far. The 27-year-old has attempted 240 passes in 3 matches at an average of 40 passes per match.

He has also contributed defensively attempting 20 tackles in 6 matches at an average of more than 3 tackles per match.

His importance can be highlighted by the fact that since his arrival, Jamshedpur have won 5 out of their 6 matches.