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Hero Indian Super League 2018-19 has had its major share played out and is nearing the end of the season. With less than a month remaining on the papers, Indian football has witnessed another spectacular season with ups and downs. From the rise of NorthEast United to the downfall of Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters, ISL gave its fans a lot to remember.
The season break in December saw Bengaluru FC topping the table followed by Mumbai City. Though the two spots remain the same, a few things have changed. The month of January, that displayed India's quality at the international level had surprise packages in ISL too.
The clash between Mumbai City and Bengaluru FC saw the latter getting defeated for the first time season. On a negative note, Kerala Blasters has been 'crowned' with the longest winless streak in the league, after 14 games without a victory.
The January transfer window also some new faces in the fields, in addition to some familiar faces is different colours. CK Vineeth, Halicharan Narzary, and Pritam Kotal were all noteworthy transfer deals between ISL clubs. The clubs also roped in some players from outside the league, to bolster their lineups. While some are troubled syncing with their clubs, one has taken the league by storm.
ALSO SEE: ISL Schedule | ISL Points table | ISL Results
In this article, we take a look at the Top 10 Players for the month of January based on Sportskeeda's Ranking formula, including the one fresh face changing the paths of his team.
#10 Seriton Fernandes - FC Goa (-3)
The FC Goa defender, though has been good again, couldn't match his standards in the previous month. As a result, Seriton Fernandes has dropped 3 positions in the Power Ranking, to be No.10.
Seriton Fernandes has been a consistent and promising presence at the right wing of the Gaurs. In a defence famous for its leakages, the 26-year old has stood out different with 69 tackles and 20 interceptions. Fernandes has done his part in attacking too, contributing with 2 assists and 536 passes at an accuracy of 78%.
The team would be wanting this wingback to increase his work rate and improve the ranking as the league enters the advanced stage.
Sportskeeda Rating - 23.3
#9 Edu Bedia - FC Goa (No Rise)
An FC Goa player who has been in the Top 10 Rankings for the 3rd consecutive month is Edu Bedia. After dropping 4 spots last month, the Spaniard has retained his 9th position for the month of January.
Edu Bedia has contributed tirelessly for the Goan outfit this season. The 29-year old has scored 6 goals and made 3 assists, becoming a vital cog in the attack, along with Ferran Corominas. A passing accuracy of 83% has been useful for FC Goa keeping a place in the Top 4. Bedia has been hit the objectives in defence too, with 25 tackles.
However, one concern for the club would be the midfielder's fitness. It has been spotted that Bedia hasn't been on the field for about 90 minutes since the league resumed in January.
Sportskeeda Rating - 24.3
#8 Memo - Jamshedpur (-2)
Another midfielder who has shed colours this month is Memo of Jamshedpur FC. Being a key 'Man of Steel', Memo had entered the Power Rankings with a brilliant display in December. However, the same player has dropped two positions in January.
The 31-year old has played 15 matches this season, where he has scored 2 goals and made 918 passes at an accuracy rate of 83%. Forming a great shield ahead of the combat defence, Memo has 47 tackles and 37 interceptions to his name. The Brazilian has been spot on to clear the danger 49 times for his club.
Overall, Memo has been a good contributor to the team once again and has developed a going combination with Mario Arques, key in Jamshedpur FC's road ahead.
Sportskeeda Rating - 24.7
#7 Ferran Corominas - FC Goa (-4)
One major reason why Ferran Corominas has been down 4 positions together can be seen in FC Goa's two goalless draws after January. After topping the Power Rankings in November, Coro slipped to the 3rd position in December but has even fallen, to the 7th spot this month.
Ferran Coro has appeared for the Gaurs in 13 games, scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists. The Spanish player has been a dangerous spearhead for Goa when combined with their other foreign signings. But still, the 36-year old has found the net only once in the previous 3 matches.
Coro would be another player Sergio Lobera would demand more as the league gets more complex. Having 29 goals altogether in ISL, the former Mallorca forward is now the league's top goal-scorer.
Sportskeeda Rating - 25.0
#6 Rahul Bheke - Bengaluru FC (-2)
Rahul Bheke is just another player with a comparatively poorer January. The 3 winless results for Bengaluru FC after the winter break has been a factor of Bheke's drop on the list. Rahul Bheke, who grabbed much attention for not being called up to the national team, had an outstanding month in December, where he was 4th in the Power Rankings.
The 28-year old's contributions this season amount to 2 goals and 1 assist, along with 35 tackles. The 76 clearances and 24 blocks made by this defender justify Bengaluru FC's good defensive record of conceding the least number of goals this season.
Being an integral part of BFC's well-built defensive line, Bheke has been proving his worth for the Blues and would have even more importance in the games to come, the knockouts in particular.
Sportskeeda Rating - 25.6
#5 Ahmed Jahouh - FC Goa (+3)
The 4th FC Goa player on the list, but the only with a promotion in rankings is Ahmed Jahouh. The midfielder has been praised for his defensive duties, even better than few full-time defenders this season. Jahouh has been a key presence in FC Goa gaining more defensive discipline over the months.
The Moroccan player has contributed for his team in the attack, with 3 assists and 929 passes at an accuracy of 78%. He holds the second highest number of passes this season, behind Raphel Augusto of Chennaiyin FC. On the defensive side, Jahouh has made 74 tackles (3rd highest so far), 27 interceptions and 26 clearances.
Like the numbers prove, Ahmed Jahouh has been an inevitable part of FC Goa's core and will be the key presence in the coming matchdays.
Sportskeeda Rating - 26.7
#4 Sandesh Jhingan - Kerala Blasters (+1)
The only Kerala Blasters player to make it to the Power Rankings this month is captain Sandesh Jhingan. The 25-year old has improved his position by one ranking, despite his team's poor run in the league.
Even after a complete dull season, Sandesh Jhingan has stood tall for Blasters, yet again. Jhingan has appeared in 15 matches this season, from which he has completed 40 tackles and 15 interceptions.
The 102 clearances made by this player single-handedly reveals the dependence of the club, on this centre-back. Jhingan's contributions extend to the 27 blocks made, showing the Punjab-born player's commitment to the yellow jersey.
Sandesh Jhingan holding such a high position is due to the contributions made by him alone, with minimal support from the teammates. In Blasters' poorest runs ever, Jhingan has been one thing to stay positive about.
Sportskeeda Rating - 26.7
#3 Edu Garcia - ATK (New Entry)
Edu Garcia is the breakout player in the list, with an experience of just 3 matches this season. The former Bengaluru FC player joined the Kolkata club during the winter transfer window to change the team's attacking woes. In just three games, it has to be admitted that Garcia has been able to do what he has been signed for.
Edu Garcia has scored 2 goals and made 1 assist from the 267 minutes he has been on the field for the two-time champions. More than numbers, the Spanish player has been able to implement a more attacking strategy, which Steve Coppell failed to do through Manuel Lanzarote and Kalu Uche. The situations when Garcia's goals came too make his contributions valuable.
At this stage of the league, when even the slimmest chances are hopeful to be made a way ahead, a player like Edu Garcia is all that a team needs.
Sportskeeda Rating - 34.2
#2 Tiri - Jamshedpur FC (-1)
Tiri, who was the Best Player for the month of December, has dropped a spot to the 2nd position this month. Though down in rankings, Tiri has continued to be the backbone of Jamshedpur FC.
After the game started in January, Tiri's team has played 3 matches out of which 2 were kept clean sheets. The 27-year old should be credited hugely for the discipline showcased by the stopper back and the coordination brought between an otherwise all-Indian defence line.
Tiri has made 35 tackles and 27 interceptions from the 15 games he has played. He has also been worthy at the143 clearances and 24 blocks for JFC, which has helped the club's playoff chances alive.
Tiri has been on the field for Jamshedpur FC in every minute this season, outlining the trust put upon by the gaffer on the Spaniard. If JFC qualifies for the playoffs, it would be a gigantic effort taken up by this defender, to keep the conceding to a minimum.
Sportskeeda Rating - 34.7
#1 Lucian Goian - Mumbai City (+1)
Lucian Goian gets promoted to the top of the Power Rankings by Sportskeeda to become the Best Player for January. From the 2nd position in the previous month, Goian has fared well at his duties, despite the two defeats after the January break.
The Romanian international too has to be praised for nurturing a young defensive line to keep the most number of clean sheets in the league.
Lucian Goian has been a rock-pillar at the defence, making 62 tackles and 25 interceptions. The 28 blocks made, had been a challenge to every attacker trying to reach the Mumbai City goal. The 36-year old's most dominant field still has been clearances, with 154 in number. He has been a crucial figure for the Islanders outstanding season, making a comeback.
In the days to come and the playoffs, which are only a few points away from Mumbai City, Lucian Goian will be put to the real test, facing the best oppositions this season. Though he has surpassed almost all challenges, the long season-end might be an interesting encounter for the veteran; aiming to gift the club their first ISL cup.
Sportskeeda Rating - 36.6
