ISL 2017/18: Best forwards of week 13

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

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

Here, we take a look at five forwards whose performances stood out among the rest.

#5 Diego Carlos

Diego Carlos’ superb performance played a big part in FC Pune City’s big win over Mumbai City FC in the “Maharashtrian Derby”. The Brazilian scored a header via a deflection to give FC Pune City the lead.

His brilliant form of late has seen him become a pivotal player for the “Stallions”. The 29-year-old’s pace and trickery were too much for Mumbai City’s defence to handle. The forward had shown glimpses of his class but just couldn’t find the cutting edge to make it count.

Nonetheless, he has been far more threatening recently. With Alfaro blowing hot and cold, FC Pune City will hope Diego Carlos maintains his fine form.

#4 Miku

Miku

Miku scored yet again showing his predatory skills by reacting quickly after a Karanjit save to double Bengaluru FC’s advantage and helped them secure a crucial win. The former Rayo Vallecano forward has now scored 11 goals which is the second most of ISL 2017/18 and is only two goals behind Coro, the highest scorer of ISL 2017/18.

The Venezuelan striker displayed skill, work rate and lethal finishing in the last match. Miku also worked hard defensively. The 32-year-old’s deadly shooting can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 30 shots and 21 of them have been on target and by his excellent goal conversion rate of 37%.

#3 Gudjon Baldvinsson

Gudjon Baldvinsson

The Icelandic forward was expected to struggle to adapt to the hot and humid Indian conditions but Baldvinsson has so far acquitted himself well. The 32-year-old opened the scoring for Kerala Blasters with a well-taken header last day.

Baldvinsson worked hard upfront holding the ball well bringing teammates into play. The well built forward created four chances in the match highlighting his creative instincts.

Baldvinsson has contributed with a goal and an assist each in less than 180 minutes so far. With Hume injured and out of the group stages and Mark Sifneos having departed for FC Goa Baldvinsson’s form will be crucial if Kerala Blasters are to make their third semi-finals in four years.

#2 Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri scored his sixth goal in nine matches to help Bengaluru FC become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals. The 33-year-old played a big part in Bengaluru FC’s two goals against Chennaiyin and scored the third goal, slotting in from close range, to seal the match.

He was also involved heavily in all of Bengaluru FC’s good work going forward. The record Indian goal scorer has so far contributed with nine goals and an assist. He is also the top Indian goal scorer in ISL 2017/18 and the third highest scorer overall in ISL 2017/18.

#1 Marcelinho

Marcelinho

The FC Pune City captain once again proved to be the match winner for the “Stallions”. Marcelinho’s brilliant performances helped FC Pune City triumph against NorthEast United and Mumbai City FC, pushing them on the brink of their first-ever semi-finals of ISL 2017/18.

The Brazilian broke the resistance of the stubborn NorthEast United defence with a clinical finish. The 30-year-old also scored with a smart finish against Mumbai City FC doubling their lead and sealing the win.

The diminutive forward has now scored eight goals and is the fourth highest scorer of ISL 2017/18. The FC Pune City captain has also contributed with seven assists, the highest in ISL 2017/18, overall contributing with 15 goals so far, only Coro has contributed more goals this season.