ISL: BFC, Mohammedan Sporting players dominate team of the week - Matchweek 3

In the third week of ISL, Odisha FC and Mohammedan Sporting registered their first win, while Bengaluru FC and FC Goa punished Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal.

Here is the team for Matchweek 3.

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh - Bengaluru FC

One of the reasons Bengaluru surged to the top of the table in the Matchweek 3 was goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh. He maintained another clean sheet against Mohun Bagan SG as Bengaluru FC won the home match 3-0.

Gurpreet has not conceded in his past two outings either. Undoubtedly, he is a clear choice for the goalkeeper position.

Defenders

Nikhil Poojary - Bengaluru FC

The Indian national team defender played a strong role both defensively and offensively for Bengaluru FC, delivering key crosses and maintaining his side’s structure.

Bengaluru FC broke through in the 10th minute when Nikhil headed a corner towards Edgar Mendez. The Spaniard, who had moved to BFC from Mexican side Club Necaxa at the start of the season, slotted his first ISL goal.

Nikhil provided any perfect pass which could have resulted in a goal. But Mendez's shot missed the target.

Gaurav Bora - Mohammedan Sporting

One of the reasons that Mohammedan Sporting could win their first match of the season against Chennaiyin FC was Bora. His vigilant presence, timely interceptions and clearance helped the Kolkata side clear multiple chances created by Chennaiyin.

Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak - Mohammedan Sporting

Both Bora and Chhakchhuak combined brilliantly to clear the danger for Mohammedan Sporting. In the 94th minute, when Chennaiyin FC were looking for an equaliser, Lukas Brambilla had a clear goal in front of him after he received a header from Wilmar Jordan Gil. But Vanlalzuidika chipped in to avert the danger.

Rahul Bheke - Bengaluru FC

The 33-year-old Indian defender continues to shine in the ISL. His presence in the defence meant Mohun Bagan's attacking line could hardly rattle the Bengaluru FC defence.

With his brilliant sense of positioning and interceptions, Bheke has turned out to be a great asset for Bengaluru FC.

Midfielders

Borja Herrera - FC Goa

Borja was the star of this week. He scored the first hat-trick of the season to help FC Goa register their first win of the season.

His first two goals in the first half came due to awful defending by East Bengal.

In the 13th minute, East Bengal custodian Debjit Majumder intercepted a pass but his punch went straight to the feet of Borja, who latched on to the rebound and slotted the ball into the open goal.

Borja doubled the lead for FC Goa following a defensive error by East Bengal defender Hijazi Maher in the 29th minute.

In the 71st minute, Borja completed his hat-trick with a nice solo effort to seal the victory for FC Goa.

Vinith Venkatesh - Bengaluru FC

Youngster Vinith of Bengaluru FC has put up an impressive performance against Mohun Bagan SG. He also created multiple chances. Displaying his calibre, the 19-year-old won his duel with Mohun Bagan captain and defender Subhasish Bose with a nutmeg in the 30th minute.

With this debut, Vinith has shown he is someone to watch out for this season.

Filip Mrzljak - Punjab FC

Punjab FC dominated their game against Hyderabad FC. An excellent counter-attack confirmed their win in the 71st minute. Filip Mrzljak led the counter-attack and played it to Mushaga Bakenga, but his shot was saved by Arshdeep. It only fell square to Mrzljak on the right side of the box. An unerring shot into an open goal followed and Punjab FC made it 2-0.

Alaeddine Ajaraie - NorthEast United FC

He was a pivotal figure in the NorthEast United FC team. With his presence in the midfield despite NorthEast United being reduced to 10 men, the Highlanders managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters.

Besides scoring the goal for NorthEast United, Ajaraie was active throughout the game. Before he scored the goal, Ajaraie's right-footed shot from outside the box hit the far post, rattling the KBFC defence.

Strikers

Sunil Chhetri - Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC talisman Sunil Chhetri added another milestone to his name as he became the highest-ever goal scorer in the history of the Indian Super League.

His goal from a penalty kick in the 51st minute meant he crossed Bart Ogbeche's feat of most goals in the ISL. Ogbeche scored 63 goals in 98 games. Coming into the league with 61 goals in the season, Chhetri needed three goals to get to the record. He scored two against Hyderabad FC in the last game equalizing the record. With 11 assists to his name, Chhetri now has a total of 75 goal contributions and will look to add more going forward in the season.

Noah Sadaoui - Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters' Noah Sadaoui helped his team salvage a draw against NorthEast United in an away game this week. His quick feet, intelligence, and clinical finishing were on full display as he netted a stunning equalizer in the 67th minute.

His influence was undeniable throughout the game, frequently tormenting the NorthEast United defence with his runs and creativity. Sadaoui has become Kerala’s "cheat code," capable of turning games around with moments of magic.