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The fifth week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams and players alike.
FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC recorded wins while Kerala Blasters and ATK also managed to register their first wins of this year's competition.
In this article, we take a look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out from the rest in the recently concluded Round 5 of fixtures.
#5 Zequinha - ATK
The Portuguese winger played a big part in ATK ending their winless run by providing a pin point cross for Robin Singh to slot home against Mumbai City FC. The 30-year old was a threat all evening with his pace, trickery and dangerous crosses. He also came close on a couple of occasions but couldn’t apply the required finish to find the back of the net.
Zequinha has been one of the most effective players for ATK in ISL 2017/18. He has created the maximium chances and has also attempted 10 shots so far, joint most with Njazi Kuqi. ATK will hope Zequinha continues his fine form as they aim to reach their 4th consecutive ISL semi-final.
#4 Adil Khan - FC Pune City
FC Pune City lost their last match against Bengaluru FC 1-3, but the efforts of Adil Khan cannot be ignored. The curly haired midfielder scored a fine diving header to give FC Pune City the lead and it was his 2nd goal in as many matches for the Stallions, illustrating his aerial prowess and keen eye for goal.
The 29-year-old has impressed for the club with his energy, defensive nous and tough tackling. He has attempted 9 tackles in just 4 matches. FC Pune City fell apart against Bengaluru FC in their last game due to the red card Baljit Sahni received, but the inclusion of Adil Khan in defence has made them defensively more secure and it bodes well for their future matches.
#3 CK Vineeth - Kerala Blasters
In the build-up to Kerala Blasters' game against North East United at home their talisman CK Vineeth, last season’s highest Indian goal scorer with 5 goals, had endured an ISL to forget so far missing presentable chances and also being sent-off for diving.
He returned to the starting line-up after serving his ban in the 5-2 loss away at Goa and the 29-year old scored his first goal of the season against the Highlanders helping the Blasters record their first win of the season.
Vineeth displayed the pace, clever movement and finishing he is known for to head home an inch perfect cross from Rino Anto on the night. Given how crucial he is for Kerala Blasters, the fans will that hope his return to goal scoring will boost their time in the matches to come after a slow start.
#2 Dhanpal Ganesh - Chennaiyin FC
Dhanpal Ganesh proved to be the unlikely match winner for Chennaiyin FC scoring a late winner to help Chennaiyin FC recover from their defeat and condemn Bengaluru FC to only their second defeat in ISL 2017/18.
The strongly built midfielder impressed with his energy and tough tackling on the night and earned the plaudits for his display. The 23-year old has attempted 11 tackles so far and his energy has meant that Chennaiyin FC’s defence has received enough protection.
Ganesh’s defensive nous and reading of the game is highlighted by his tally of 9 interceptions, the most by a Chennaiyin FC midfielder in the competition so far.
#1 Manuel Lanzarote - FC Goa
The FC Goa winger was in fine form against Delhi Dynamos and scored with a superb curling effort, doubling FC Goa’s advantage on the night. Lanzarote was a threat to the Delhi Dynamos backline with his unmatched technique and incisive passing.
The Spanish play-maker has been FC Goa’s chief creator this season and has already assisted 3 goals so far and has also proved to be a threat in front of goal, after scoring 5 goals so far, the most by any midfielder in ISL 2017/18.
The 33- year old has also attempted 16 shots, joint most by any player in ISL 2017. The former Barcelona B player is also a threat with his set-pieces and has shown early signs of replicating the impact made by former FC Goa player Leo Moura who played a big role in FC Goa’a run to the finals in ISL 2015.
