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The sixth week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the five games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.
FC Pune City became the first team to stop FC Goa from scoring, while Jamshedpur FC recorded a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the “Steel Derby”. Mumbai City FC too recorded their first away win of ISL 2017/18 winning 2-0 against NorthEast United.
In this article, we look at 5 forwards whose performances stood out among the rest:
Jeje Lalpekhlua - Chennaiyin FC
Jeje didn’t score but makes the list due to his impressive all-round performance against Kerala Blasters in the southern derby. The striker worked hard closing down defenders, he also held the ball well allowing teammates to join the attack.
He was heavily involved in the move that helped Chennaiyin FC win the penalty in the dying moments of the game. The 26-year old also created couple of good opportunities that his teammates couldn’t capitalize upon.
Jeje’s form is good news for Chennaiyin FC as his good form has coincided with their good showing. Moreover, Chennaiyin FC do not have a suitable replacement for the highest Indian goalscorer in the ISL.
Marcelinho - FC Pune City
The FC Pune City captain was a little off colour in the last few matches but made the difference against FC Goa providing a fine through pass for Alfaro’s opener. The Brazilian not only posed a threat offensively, but also worked hard defensively helping FC Pune City to cover the spaces.
He is also a threat with his set-pieces due to his impressive delivery. Marcelinho has already built up a fine partnership with Alfaro and the duo will play a big part in FC Pune City’s fortunes in ISL 2017/18.
Robbie Keane - ATK
Robbie Keane himself got on the act scoring the winner against Delhi Dynamos by showing good touch and creating the space to drill in the bottom corner. The 38-year old’s touch, vision and quality in the final third was once again evident.
The striker's absence was clearly visible and ATK have looked much better ever since his return from injury. ATK’s hopes of making the semi-finals in ISL 2017/18 will depend on whether Keane can maintain his fitness for the remainder of the campaign.
Emiliano Alfaro - FC Pune City
Emiliano Alfaro had scored 4 goals in his first 3 matches of the season but faded off a little when he failed to score in the next 3 matches. But the Uruguayan proved his class scoring the opener against FC Goa and also playing a big part in FC Pune City’s second goal.
His goal showed why he is rated as one of the best forwards of ISL, running on to the through ball holding the defender getting the goalkeeper to commit and chipping the ball over the keeper into the net. Alfaro has already matched his tally from last season and is proving how lethal he can be when he is provided with decent service.
Balwant Singh - Mumbai City FC
Balwant Singh scored a brace against NorthEast United which helped Mumbai City FC register their first away win of the ISL 2017/18 campaign. Balwant as always worked hard upfront and was a nuisance for FC Goa’s defence with his movement.
He had several oppurtunities to score but just couldn’t convert the chances and missed the chance to score a hattrick which was there for the taking. The 31-year old has now scored 4 goals and is the top Indian scorer of ISL 2017/18.
His goal scoring feats are even more impressive as he has not always played as a centre forward, he has alternated between playing as a winger in one match to a striker in the next match so far this season.
