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The 15th week of ISL 2017/18 has come to an end we have now reached a decisive phase in the league in the 6 games we witnessed, there were some superb performances from various teams.
FC Goa and Mumbai City FC secured vital wins continued while Bengaluru FC their unbeaten run, Kerala Blasters kept themselves alive with a draw against Chennaiyin FC, and, Delhi Dynamos successfully defeated ATK.
In this article, we look at 5 midfielders whose performances stood out among the rest.
#5 Dimas Delgado
Dimas Delgado once again played a crucial role in helping Bengaluru FC overcome Jamshedpur FC 2-0 and also claiming revenge for the loss suffered earlier in the campaign. The 35-year old’s pinpoint corner for Chhetri’s 2nd goal helped Bengaluru FC seal the match.
The 35-year old attempted 73 passes and created 4 chances, the most by a player in the match. The former Barcelona B player has attempted 896 passes at an average of 68.92 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 17 interceptions, the most by a Bengaluru FC player.
#4 Manuel Lanzarote
Manuel Lanzarote returned from suspension and proved his class by producing a superb performance leading FC Goa to a 4-0 win over 2nd place FC Pune City keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
The 33-year old showed nerves of steel to convert a penalty to open the scoring. The 33-year old repeatedly found gaps in the FC Pune City backline with his technique and incisive passing.
The former Barcelona B player was also a threat with his set-pieces. He has now scored 9 goals, the most by a midfielder in ISL 2017/18. FC Goa will hope that Lanzarote continues his fine form and leads them to the semi-finals.
#3 Seityasen Singh
The former NorthEast United winger had failed to create an impression in the limited opportunities he got this season. But against ATK Seityasen showed his class scoring and assisting once helping Delhi Dynamos overturn a 2-goal deficit and register a stunning 4-3 win.
This was the first time in his ISL career that the 25-year old has scored and assisted in the same match. Though the season has not panned out as expected for Seityasen Singh he will look to make an impression in the remaining matches and end the season on a high note.
#2 Everton Santos
Everton Santos once again came to the fore in Mumbai City FC’s must-win match against NorthEast United scoring 1 and assisting 1 goal helping Mumbai City FC overcome a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2.
The Brazilian impressed with his work rate and directness with the ball going forward and was a threat throughout the match. He has contributed 10 goals so far (5 goals and 5 assists), the most by a Mumbai City FC player so far, plus his speed and willingness to run in behind the defenses offers Mumbai City FC a different dimension going forward. His 19 shots on target are the 2nd most by a Mumbai City FC player so far.
#1 Hugo Boumous
Hugo Adnan Boumous was bought in the January transfer window and has made an immediate impact. The youngster has impressed with his technique, creativity, work rate and eye for a pass.
The 22-year old scored a fine goal against Delhi Dynamos to give FC Goa the lead albeit via a deflection. The 22-year old once again starred in a must-win match against FC Pune City scoring a superb goal after creating space with some fine footwork.
He also assisted Coro’s goal with a fine back heel. In just 239 minutes he has scored 2 goals and assisted 1 goal. Hugo Boumous will play a key part in the remaining 2 games for FC Goa.
