We look at the best midfielders of ISL 6
Ahmed Jahouh: FC Goa since the appointment of Sergio Lobera in ISL 4 have been brilliant, while Coro has received majority of the plaudits defensive midfielder Ahmed Jahouh has also been hugely instrumental in FC Goa’s success. The 31-year old initiates FC Goa’s attacks and is equally adept at breaking opposition attacks. The Moroccan has completed 595 passes at an average of around 60 passes per match, the most by a midfielder in ISL 6. Jahouh’s tally of 103 attempted tackles is also the most by a player in ISL 6. The burly midfielder’s ability to turn an opponent before sending his team’s attacking players through is one of the best sights of ISL 6.
Brandon Fernandes: Brandon has been in tremendous form this season. The 25-year old has 2 goals and 5 assists in his 10 matches so far. The midfielder’s form has been crucial in FC Goa’s early season success. His 5 assists put him top of the list of most assists by a player this season. Only 10 matches in, Brandon has already matched his best return for goal involvements in a single season with his 7 goal involvements 2 goals and 5 assists. He has recently found his scoring boots scoring 2 goals in his last 3 matches. His 2 goals this season make him the joint 3rd highest goal scoring midfielder in ISL 6. No Indian player has better goal involvement numbers than Brandon so far. The Goan native has more assists than anyone and only Sunil Chettri has scored more goals than him (5 goals). Brandon’s passing and set-pieces have made him not only the best Indian player but also one of the best players of ISL 6.
Dimas Delgado: Bengaluru FC have once again started the season well and are 2nd in the table. Dimas has been a huge part of their success with 4 assists. Only Brandon has made more assists than Dimas this season. All of Bengaluru FC’s play goes through him. This can be seen through the number of times the playmaker has touched the ball this season. The Spaniard has had the most touches (883) out of anyone in the Bengaluru squad and only Ahmed Jahouh has more touches in ISL 6. Another stat that provides further evidence for his undoubted class and playmaking ability is the number of passes he has played. Dimas’ 570 completed passes are most by any player this season.
Erik Paartalu: The big Australian struck once again against Jamshedpur FC highlighting his threat from set-pieces. Paartalu now has 2 goals and 4 assists in 9 matches. The 33-year old helps starts Bengaluru FC’s attack and helps them reach the forwards quickly. Paartalu has formed a fine partnership with Harmanjot Khabra in defensive midfield helping Bengaluru FC have the best defensive record in ISL 6. Paartalu’s effectiveness from set-pieces has helped Bengaluru FC the most threatening team from set-pieces. Paartalu has made 24 tackles and has also chipped in with 19 interceptions and 35 clearances, the most by a Bengaluru FC midfielder.
