ISL 2017/18: Best midfielders of Round 9

The 9th week of ISL 2017/18 witnessed some brilliant performances. Delhi Dynamos recorded their first home win while also ending their winless run, Kerala Blasters won back to back matches for the first time while Chennaiyin FC, ATK and FC Goa registered victories as well. In this article, we look at five midfielders whose performances stood out amongst the rest!

#5 Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor produced a superb performance at the heart of midfield in ATK’s win over NorthEast United FC. Taylor dictated play and repeatedly found gaps in NorthEast United’s backline with his vision and passing. Taylor 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 NorthEast United’s defence. The 34-year-old also contributed defensively and has formed a promising partnership with fellow Englishman Conor Thomas. ATK had struggled for creativity and Taylor’s performances suggest he will play a big role if ATK are to maintain their proud record of reaching the last four in each ISL season so far.

#4 Gregory Nelson

Gregory Nelson

Gregory Nelson scored a fine goal for Chennaiyin running onto a pass and cutting inside the defender before slotting past the keeper. It was Nelson’s first goal of ISL 2017/18. With Chennaiyin FC’s star striker Jeje being kept quiet by the FC Pune defence Nelson was one of Chennaiyin FC’s brightest players going forward impressing with his energy and pace. He was the 8th different Chennaiyin FC player to score in ISL 2017/18. Nelson has appeared in all the matches so far and had come close on a few occasions, Chennaiyin FC will hope that the goal gives him confidence and Nelson is able to make more match-winning contributions.

#3 Zequinha

Zequinha

Zequinha once again proved to be match-winner for ATK scoring one of the best goals of the season against NorthEast United by powering a volley in the top corner. The Portuguese was ATK’s most threatening player coming close on a number of occasions. His trickery and quick feet were too much for NorthEast United’s defence to handle. The 31-year-old after being substituted at halftime in the last match proved his class. He has now contributed in three goals (2 goals, 1 assist) which is the most by an ATK player in ISL 2017/18. His threat going forward can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 19 shots, the most by an ATK player.

#2 Manuel Lanzarote

Manuel Lanzarote

Manuel Lanzarote once again came up with a match-winning performance for FC Goa scoring a brace to overcome Jamshedpur FC 2-1. With ISL 2017/18 top scorer Ferran Corominas having an off day, Lanzarote stepped up to help FC Goa clinch all three points. The 33-year-old showed nerves of steel to convert a penalty that he had to retake. He then once again proved to be FC Goa’s saviour latching onto a through pass and expertly finishing past Subrata Paul. He has now scored seven goals, the most by a midfielder in ISL 2017/18.

#1 Courage Pekuson

Courage Pekuson

While Iain Hume received all the plaudits for his match-winning performances in both the games featuring Kerala Blasters in game week 9, it was Courage Pekuson’s brilliant show that provided the platform for those victories. The 23-year-old assisted three out of the four goals that Kerala Blasters scored in the last week.

Pekuson has impressed with his versatility and all-round play. Not only has he provided four assists in this season but also attempted the most number of shots by a Kerala player. The Ghanian has also attempted 33 tackles highlighting his all-round abilities.

Pekuson has been an invaluable member of David James' squad and going forward they would need him to fire on all cylinders.