ISL 2017: Top 5 forwards from Round 1

The first round of the ISL is over, and we have seen pretty closely contested matches so far. The first two games produced no goals, but there were some notable performances. The third match was a 5-goal thriller, while Bengaluru FC outclassed Mumbai City FC in their debut. Meanwhile, the Delhi Dynamos edged past FC Pune City to register their first win.

Let us take a look at the best forwards from the first round the Indian Super League:

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#5 Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Sunil Chhetri once again proved why he is the best Indian player, having performed as per expectations to guide Bengaluru FC to a win in their first ever ISL match. He was at the peak of things, leading the team from the front, creating opportunities in every way possible. The hard work throughout the game paid off as he scored the second goal for the team in the dying minutes of the match.

#4 Ferran (FC Goa)

Ferran Corominas scored the first goal of the season. (Photo: ISL)

Ferran scored the opening goal of the Indian Super League this season, after the first two matches ended goalless. The Spanish forward had a great first game for FC Goa, not only did he find the back of the net, but also created chances for others.

It was due to him that the Channaiyin defence was under pressure during the entire 90 minutes of play. The former Espanyol player is one of the most valuable attackers in the ISL, having loads of experience under his belt. He even won the 2006 Copa Del Rey for the Spanish club scoring a goal in the final against Real Zaragoza.

#3 Mandar Rao Desai (FC Goa)

Mandar Rao Desai produced a great performance in the opening tie. (Photo: ISL)

Mandar Rao Desai was instrumental in two of the three goals scored by the FC Goa in their opening ISL tie against Chennayin FC. The left winger skilfully got rid of a defender pulled the trigger but was denied. The goalkeeper managed to avert the initial danger but the ball found Manual Lanzorate, who placed the ball inside the net to make the score 2-0.

Madar scored the third goal with a sublime touch from his left foot taking the game far away from Chennaiyin FC. The Goanese footballer was one of the emerging players during first two first seasons, but somewhat faded away in 2016. With a bright start to the ongoing season, he will play a vital role for the FC Goa in the remaining fixtures.

#2 Marcinho (North-East United FC)

Marcinho tries to head the ball during their game against Jamshedpur FC

Though Marcinho did not score a goal, yet he was the standout player in the match between Jamshedpur FC and North-East United FC. The Brazilian was constantly pressurising the opponents’ defence with his runs from the sidelines and even came to scoring a goal within the first 5 minutes of the game, but he wasted the opportunity.

His header in the 65th minute of the match hit the post and came back; he was unlucky not to score a goal. Already proving his worth, the former Corinthians player will be more than for the ‘Highlanders’ in their pursuit of a semi-final berth for the first time.

#1 Lallianzuala Chhangte (FC Pune City)

Lallianzula Chhangte celebrates his goal during the match

Definitely the surprise element so far in the tournament, the youngster played extraordinary football against Pune City FC. Lallianzuala Chhangte delivered a brilliant cross to set up the first goal for Paulinho Dias.

Eight minutes later he made a solo run from the centre of the pitch and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Karanjit Singh to score the second goal, ensuring three points for the visitors with more than 35 minutes to play.

The player from Mizoram is a bright prospect for Indian football team and Delhi Dynamos; he has already made his debut for the ‘Blue Tigers’ in 2015. He scored a couple of goals against Nepal during the 2015 SAFF Championships becoming the second youngest goalscorer for the national team.