ISL 2017: Top 5 Midfielders of Round 2

The second week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.

Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City both recorded resounding wins, while Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC also won their first matches of this season. In the remaining match, Jamshedpur FC played out a goalless draw against the Kerala Blasters.

In this article, we take a look at midfielders who performances stood among the rest!

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#5 Marcos Tebar

The Spanish midfielder has gone somewhat under the radar this season due to the presence of Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro in the team. However, it is undeniable that Tebar has been excellent so far controlling the midfield with his passing and vision.

He has completed the most passes by an FC Pune player so far this season and has also shown great intelligence and anticipation to cut out opposition attacks. Tebar’s fine form has provided the perfect platform for the likes of Marcelinho and Alfaro to shine.

#4 Raphael Augusto

Raphael Augusto (Image: ISL)

Raphael Augusto scored two goals against NorthEast United, helping Chennaiyin FC record their first win of ISL 2017 after they lost their opening match to FC Goa. Against the HIghlanders, the Brazilian midfielder was fielded in an advanced midfield role and displayed his full range of tricks and flicks in a superb midfield performance.

The 26-year-old’s brilliant performance helped Chennaiyin FC record their first win over NorthEast United at the Marina Arena in the ISL.

#3 Erik Paartalu

Erik Paartalu (Image: ISL)

The Australian midfielder emerged as the unlikely matchwinner for Bengaluru FC against the Delhi Dynamos. He ended up scoring the first two goals for the Blues against the Lions with two towering headers.

His goals apart, the 6’5" defensive midfielder was not only superb in breaking up play for his side, but he also helped initiate Bengaluru’s attacks with his faultless distribution.

#2 Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh (Image: ISL)

The FC Goa midfielder, despite his side's defeat at the hands of Mumbai City FC, was outstanding for his team, displaying both his offensive and defensive abilities. He controlled FC Goa’s midfield with his intelligent passing and was also not shy to get stuck in when required.

The Moroccan midfielder acted as the perfect link between FC Goa’s defence and offence. It is early days no doubt but FC Goa’s capture of Jalouh looks like a coup if his performance against Mumbai City FC is any indication.

#1 Mehtab Hossain

Mehtab Hossain (red) [Image: ISL]

Up against the Kerala Blasters, the combative midfielder was tasked with the unenviable job of marking former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov and the former Kerala Blasters man stuck to his task diligently and completely nullified the threat possessed by the Bulgarian.

Mehtab’s superb performance was highlighted by the fact that towards the end of the match, Berbatov was seemingly frustrated with the constant attention of Mehtab and picked up a booking for a petulant foul on the midfielder.