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The 14th week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the 6 games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.
Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC continued their unbeaten runs, Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters kept themselves alive with a win over ATK while Chennaiyin FC took 4 points from 2 matches to move a step closer to the semi-finals.
In this article, we look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out among the rest!
# 5 Emilian Alfaro
Emiliana Alfaro did everything but score against Bengaluru FC. The Uruguayan forward unselfishly set up Sarthak to help FC Pune City take the lead. This was only the 2nd assist for Alfaro in ISL 2017/18.
The former NorthEast United forward has now contributed to 9 goals (7 goals, 2assists). Alfaro worked hard upfront holding the ball for Pune’s midfielders to join the attack. The 29-year old’s pace also stretched the Bengaluru backline.
Alfaro’s biggest quality is his efficiency, despite attempting just 25 shots he has scored 7 goals at a goal conversion rate of 28%. If FC Pune City is to make an impact in the ISL, Alfaro has to fire.
#4 Rafa Jorda
Rafa Jorda was having a forgettable season until he turned up to score the winner against ATK to keep Mumbai City’s qualification hopes alive. The big striker used his height to a good effect getting ahead of his marker to bury a downward header.
The Spanish striker’s inclusion in the starting line-up was a surprise but the former Levante forward vindicated Head Coach’s Alexandre Guimaraes decision to start him over regular forward Balwant Singh. With Mumbai City FC facing must-win matches coupled with the fact that Balwant is struggling for form, the 34-year old might lead Mumbai City FC’s attack in the remaining matches.
#3 Mohammed Rafi
Forgotten man Mohammad Rafi reminded everyone of his quality scoring a fine header to secure a vital point for Chennaiyin FC in their quest to make the top 4. The 36-year old showed clever movement from a corner to peel on the back post and guide a precise header in the back of the net.
Coincidently Rafi’s last 3 goals in ISL have all been headers from a set piece situation. Rafi’s goal will give him confidence and will also boost Chennaiyin FC’s semi-final chances as they will have an alternative goal scoring threat to Jeje who is going through a lean patch at the moment.
#2 Miku
Miku scored yet again showing his predatory skills by volleying home from close range helping Bengaluru FC salvage a draw. The former Rayo Vallecano forward has now scored 12 goals which is the 2nd most of ISL 2017/18 and is only 1 goal behind Coro, the highest scorer of ISL 2017/18.
The Venezuelan striker displayed skill, work rate and lethal finishing. Miku also worked hard defensively. The 32-year old’s deadly shooting can be highlighted by the fact that he has attempted 35 shots and 24 of them have been on target and has an excellent goal conversion rate of 34%.
#1 Kala Uche
Kalu Uche proved to be Delhi Dynamos match-winner against NorthEast United scoring a superb header. Uche has now scored 5 goals in his last 4 matches sadly for Delhi Dynamos it has come a bit late as they are already out of contention for the semi-final spots and are only playing for pride.
The Delhi Captain used his physicality to a good effect holding the ball and bringing others into play. The 35-year old’s movement and intelligence meant that NorthEast United’s defence had a tough time against the former Levante striker. He has now scored 7 goals and is the top scorer for Delhi Dynamos.
