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Midfielders
Michael Soosairaj
After his eye-catching performances with I-League club Chennai City FC, Michael Soosairaj caught the attention of ISL franchises and finally, Jamshedpur FC roped in the left-winger at the start of the season.
In Chennai City FC, Soosairaj often created trouble for his opponents with his run down the line. He could edge past the opponents easily and provided delightful crosses. He even scored goals by using the gap between defenders.
At Jamshedpur too, he is doing the same. But now he is getting more attention. ISL has more tough defenders comparing to the I-League but Soosairaj turned them ordinary with his skills. He scored three goals so far, including a brace against FC Goa. But he is someone who loves to create chances for himself rather than scoring goals for himself.
He was another one to be ignored by Stephen Constantine in the national team.
Manuel Lanzarote
After a super stint with FC Goa, Manuel Lanzarote fell out with the coach. In a bitter Instagram post, he wrote he will not work with Sergio Lobera anymore. Sensing the opportunity, ATK signed the veteran midfielder for this season.
The journey has been fruitful though. Lanzarote has a good relationship with coach Steve Coppell and has been deployed in a more suitable role this time. He plays as a central defender but can double up as a winger too.
Despite being the in a more free role with his new club, Lanzarote has not found the back of the net so many times. But it doesn’t take away his efforts on the field as he is a true leader of a team.
Nestor Gordillo
Being a product of excellent scouting by Chennai City FC, Nestor Gordillo took the I-League by storm this season.
He started making an impact from the very first match, when he combined well with Pedro Manzi and provided assists to him in making up his hat-trick.
Gordillo works hard on the field. Playing as a central midfielder, he can roam on the field and tries to create a chance whenever and wherever he gets the ball. His understanding with the players is laudable and certainly provides an added boost to the team.
It was his attacking mentality that makes the only foreigner from I-League to take his place in this team.
Raphael Augusto
The veteran player has been a part of Chennaiyin FC’s team for the last four seasons. After helping his side win their first title 2015, Augusto played brilliantly on an otherwise dismal campaign for his team in 2016.
The Brazilian found his rhythm back as he helped the team win their second title this year. His combination with Jeje throughout the season has helped Chennaiyin immensely. Apart from scoring three times, he provided one assist.
Chennaiyin FC have been witnessing another dismal season this time around and but Augusto maintained his rhythm, scoring two and assisting one.
