ISL 2017/18: 5 best midfielders of Round 12

The 12th week of ISL 2017 has come to an end and in the 4 games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.

Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC continued their winning runs, while Kerala Blasters also secured a crucial win and the match between FC Goa and NorthEast United was the only draw in the round.

In this article, we look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out among the rest!

#5 Mandar Dessai

Mandar Rao Dessai marked his 50th appearance for FC Goa with a fine performance. Mandar opened the scoring with a sweetly struck shot in the far corner.

The 23-year old impressed with his work rate, directness and versatility swapping wings throughout the match. Mandar has now contributed with 5 goals (2 goals and 3 assists) equaling his return from ISL 2015 where he had contributed 5 goals (3 goals and 2 assists) as well.

Mandar has impressed with his versatility throughout the season filling in at various positions including as a left back. Mandar has also integrated well with manager Sergio Lobera’s passing philosophy attempted 442 passes so far.

#4 Marcinho

Marcinho once again produced a superb performance against FC Goa helping NorthEast United to a 2-2 draw away at FC Goa claiming a crucial point which keeps their faint hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.

Marcinho scored a penalty scoring his 4th goal of the campaign. 2 of his 4 goals have been scored against FC Goa. Marcinho impressed with his ability to skip away from opposition challenges and dictated NorthEast United’s play with his vision and passing.

He was NorthEast United’s most threatening player attempting 5 shots with 4 of them on target. The 31-year old also contributed defensively making 2 tackles and 3 interceptions.

#3 Everton Santos

Everton Santos scored and was once again Mumbai City FC’s best player but was unlucky to be on the losing side.

The Brazilian winger scored a fortuitous header and also came close on a couple of occasions. The Brazilian impressed with his work rate and directness with the ball going forward and was a threat throughout the match.

He has contributed 8 goals so far (4 goals and 4 assists) and his speed and willingness to run in behind the defences offer Mumbai City FC a different dimension going forward. His 15 shots on target are the 2nd most by a Mumbai City FC player so far.

#2 Jackichand Singh

Jackichand Singh was suffering a poor run of form but ended his 8-match scoreless run by opening the scoring with an unstoppable right shot from outside the box. Jackichand impressed with his pace, trickery and work rate.

The 25-year old created numerous opportunities for his teammates and was also a threat himself. He created 2 chances and hit the target with both of his shots.

The former Mumbai City midfielder has now scored 2 goals, his best return in an ISL campaign. Overall, he has contributed 4 goals (2 goals and assists). He has also impressed with his dangerous corners and setpieces.

#1 C.K Vineeth

C.K Vineeth once again turned Kerala Blasters matchwinner scoring one of the goals of the tournament to keep Kerala Blasters in the race for the semi-finals.

Vineeth controlled a long pass created the space and rifled an unstoppable shot in the top corner. After failing to score in his first 3 matches Vineeth has now scored 4 goals out of the 6 matches he has completed 90 minutes.

Vineeth displayed the pace, clever movement and tireless work ethic he is known for. Given how crucial he is for Kerala Blasters hopes his goalscoring form augurs well for Kerala Blasters in the matches to come.