ISL 2019 | Studs and Duds from Match Phase 2 so far

Studs

Thoi Singh - Easily the revelation of ISL so far, the Chennaiyin FC youngster has announced his arrival with two goals in his first start of the season in place of the experienced Gregory Nelson. In a high octane match against NorthEast United, the 18-year-old from Manipur displayed intelligence to be at the right place at the right time that eventually gifted him two easy tap-ins. His energy to run up and down the flanks have impressed Gregory, which had put Chennaiyin in a place of a perfect win before NEUFC’s attack turned the tables later in the second half. Thoi looked dangerous against Delhi at times, as well, but Chennaiyin couldn't really take their chances.

Miku- He is the lifeline of Bengaluru FC’s attack and when he is stopped from scoring, he could easily become the creator as was seen against Pune. Tall, fast, and strength to play the hold-up play, Miku is the striker every ISL club desires. If he had opened the season with a stunning long-ranger, Monday's goal saw the Venezuelan showing strength to hold off Sahil Panwar and collect the ball, before turning and scoring on the half volley. The goal required technique, strength and precision hinting that Bengaluru FC have a Didier Drogba of their own.

Robin Singh – Not quite in form now as he was during his East Bengal days, but Robin Singh still holds a place in ISL for his distinct physical prowess that most Indian forwards don’t possess. The Uttar Pradesh forward boasts of a good over six feet height and at 28, Singh still has age on his side to become a proper centre-forward for the progressive Indian football side. But, only if he had the footballing IQ to blend with his attributes in correct measure. An early injury to Ashique Kuruniyan in FC Pune City’s match against Mumbai City FC had led Miguel Portugal to bring on his second choice striker, which was his biggest mistake of the game. Singh missed three clear chances and was also guilty of giving away the ball numerous times that prevented Pune from having any chances of a comeback in the game.

Mailson Alves – To the Super Machans’ surprise, their best player from last season is fast becoming their biggest liability this season. After losing their opening two games, the Marina Machans were expected to start their home season well especially after a 10-day break. However, John Gregory’s most trusted general turned out to be his biggest vulnerability against a well passing NorthEast United side. Forget about keeping the backline organized, the centre-back failed to read the ball on many occasions leading Bartholomew Ogbeche to exploit Chennaiyin’s multiple times. The hosts were lucky to concede just three goals by the Nigerian compared to the plethora of chances that he had gotten. Mailson was consequently benched against Delhi with Inigo Calderon taking the centre-half role. 

Marcelinho – Ahead of the Maha Derby on October 19, there was only one question by the reporters for Miguel Portugal, if Marcelinho would play or not. Portugal had to start him on the bench against Mumbai City and he justified himself by stating that Pune were to face Bengaluru FC in two days of time. However, Marcelino’s brief impact, if there was any, seemed to have only come in the half-an-hour that he played against Mumbai as Pune were trying to recover from a two-goal deficit. For when he was started against BFC on Monday, he looked far from fit and a liability for the team, to put it mildly.

Tim Cahill - It is no secret that set-pieces have always played a huge role in Asian football and for a good chunk of time, ISL was ruled by players who were good from aerial deliveries. Hence, when a transitional Jamshedpur managed to rope in Australia’s football legend Tim Cahill, the football fraternity had applauded them for the signing. However, to their misfortune, the midfielder, who has more often played the false no. 9 this season, has been in poor touch so far. With his heading being the known USP, one could accuse other Jamshedpur players of not providing him with the passes, but against ATK, the JFC fans were robbed even off of that excuse as Cahill floundered a clear chance from almost point blank range with his head.

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