ISL 2017: Top 5 midfielders of Round 4 

Marcos Tebar (Photo: ISL)
Marcos Tebar (Photo: ISL)

The 4th week of ISL 2017 is completed and we witnessed some superb performances from the teams. FC Goa recorded a big win against Kerala Blasters while there were wins for Bengaluru FC, FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC as well. Jamshedpur FC also won their first match of this season.

There were superb performances in the 4th week from which we pick the 5 best midfielders.

Marcos Tebar

Spanish midfielder had up till now had gone somewhat under the radar due to the presence of Marcelinho and Alfaro. But Tebar came up with a man of the match performance against Jamshedpur FC proving his class.

The former Real Madrid midfielder has been excellent so far controlling the midfield with his passing and vision. The 31-year old has attempted 293 passes 85 passes more than the next best FC Pune City FC player highlighting his ability to get on the ball and initiate play.

He has also shown intelligence to cut out opposition attacks illustrated by his tally of 14 attempted tackles which is also the most by a FC Pune City midfielder. Tebar’s fine form has provided the platform for Marcelinho and Alfaro to shine.

Achille Emana

Achille Emana (Photo: ISL)
Achille Emana (Photo: ISL)Achille Emana produced a superb performance against Chennaiyin FC dominating the midfield with his ball carrying ability and physicality. The Cameroonian scored the winning penalty ending Chennaiyin FC’s 3-match winning run and helping Mumbai City FC record their 2nd win at home and keep them in touch for the semi-finals spot.

The burly midfielder also set up numerous glit-edged chances through his unique lobbed passes over the top. With Mumbai City FC possessing tough tackling midfielders Achille Emana with his ability to evade challenges and passing ability helps Mumbai City FC go forward. The 35-year-old has made the joint most passes by a Mumbai City FC player.

Jackichand Singh

Jackichand Singh (Photo: ISL)
Jackichand Singh (Photo: ISL)

Despite Kerala Blasters suffering a defeat against FC Goa Jackichand was arguably the only Kerala Blasters player to emerge with his reputation enhanced. Jacki created the first goal with a superb cross and scored the 2nd with a fine finish. The 25-year-old created numerous opportunities for his teammates and was also a threat himself.

The former Mumbai City FC player has impressed in the last 3 matches with his pace, trickery and work rate. With Dimitar Berbatov injured and Iain Hume yet to fire Jacki’s form is crucial for Kerala Blasters, if they are looking to finish in the top 4 spots this season.

Manuel Lanzarote

Manuel Lanzarote (Photo: ISL)
Manuel Lanzarote (Photo: ISL)

The FC Goa playmaker produced a superb performance against Kerala Blasters scoring 2 well-taken goals and came tantalizingly close to completing a hattrick with a superb bending shot that hit the crossbar. The winger was superb against Kerala Blasters repeatedly finding gaps in their backline with his technique and incisive passing.

The Spanish playmaker is FC Goa’s chief creator having assisted 3 goals so far and is also a threat with his shooting, having already scored 4 goals so far, the most by a midfielder in ISL 2017.

The 33-year-old has attempted 14 shots so far, the most by any player in ISL 2017 so far. 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 their run to the finals in ISL 2015.

Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh (Photo: ISL)
Ahmed Jahouh (Photo: ISL)

The FC Goa midfielder was outstanding against Kerala Blasters displaying both his offensive and defensive abilities. The 29-year-old produced a fantastic defence-splitting pass for FC Goa’s 4th and 5th goals highlighting his vision and ability to pick out passes.

Jahouh controlled FC Goa’s midfield with his intelligent passing, helping them build from the back, and was also not shy to get stuck in when required. The Moroccan midfielder is the link between FC Goa’s defence and offense. It’s early days but if Jahouh’s performances so far is anything to go by, then his signing is surely a coup for FC Goa which will help them claim their first ISL title.

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