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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 Dimas Delgado
Dimas Delgado’s ability to retain the ball and start the attacks from deep, plus his intelligence and his ability to contribute defensively makes him one of the most vital cogs of the Bengaluru machine.
The Spaniard played a big a role in helping Bengaluru FC salvage a draw against FC Pune City through his faultless distribution. The 35-year old attempted 102 passes, the most by a player in the match.
The former Barcelona B player has attempted 823 passes at an average of 68.58 passes per match only Ahmed Jahouh has attempted more passes per match in ISL 2017/18. His defensive awareness can be highlighted by the fact that he has made 15 interceptions, the most by a Bengaluru FC player.
#4 Bipin Singh
The young winger produced an impressive performance against Mumbai City FC scoring the equalizer after making a clever run behind the defense and finishing smartly. The winger impressed with his pace, trickery and work rate.
In a dismal campaign for ATK, the 22-year old is the only Indian who has done well for ATK. Indians have contributed just 4 goals (3 goals, 1 assist) for the defending champions out of which 3 (2 goals, 1 assist) have been contributed by Bipin Singh.
Though ATK has nothing but pride to play for Bipin will look to end the season well and strive for consistency as his good work is sometimes undermined by making basic errors.
#3 Rene Mihelic
Substitute Rene Mihelic helped Chennaiyin FC salvage a last-ditch draw against Jamshedpur FC providing the pinpoint corner from which Mohammad Rafi equalized in the 89th minute.
Slovenian midfielder, despite playing only 28 minutes provided the creativity that Chennaiyin FC was lacking. The 29-year old midfielder created 3 chances highlighting his eye for a pass. The underrated midfielder has now provided 4 assists, the most by a Chennaiyin FC player despite playing only 560 minutes so far
.The former Maribor midfielder is one of the best set piece takers of this ISL. With the “Super Machans” facing 2 must win matches John Gregory will hope Mihelic continues to make the difference for them.
#2 Adil Khan
Adil Khan’s brilliant performance helped FC Pune City end Bengaluru FC’s 5-match winning run and secure a precious point for FC Pune City in their quest to make their first ever semi-finals of ISL.
The curly haired midfielder was superb snapping into tackles and covering the spaces in front of the defense and also displayed versatility by slotting as a right back for the last few minutes of the match.
His brilliant performance meant Bengaluru FC’s array of playmakers couldn’t get into their stride and dictate play. He was a colossus in defense making 7 tackles, the most by a player in the match. The 29-year old also made 8 clearances and 3 blocks.
# 1 Wellington Priori
The Brazilian for the 2nd week running scored one of the goals of the tournament with a bullet volley from outside the box giving Jamshedpur FC the lead. Since Wellington’s arrival, Jamshedpur has scored in each of their last 7 matches and have managed 10 goals (excluding 1 own goal vs Mumbai) as compared to just 5 in their opening 9 matches.
Priori has contributed in 4 of those, scoring thrice and assisting once, no Jamshedpur FC player has contributed more. His importance can be highlighted by the fact that since his arrival Jamshedpur have won 5 out of the 7 matches.
