I-League 2009: Mid-season review on best ‘mallu’ performances
Eight rounds have gone by and we have witnessed some exciting matches.
Footballkerala.com takes a look at the best performances of players from Kerala and/or players playing in teams from Kerala in each round.
It was interesting to note that despite having just one representative from the football crazy state of Kerala, there were many players from the state plying their trade in clubs outside the state.
Round 1: Denson Devadas (Chirag United)
The 26 year old Chirag United captain played a commanding role in the middle of the park and marshalled the midfield with perfection against Mohun Bagan. Chirag eventually won the match 3-2 and scripted a new beginning for the relatively new club.
Round 2: NP Pradeep (Mahindra United)
Indian national team’s star midfielder had an excellent game against East Bengal and ended up scoring a sensational winner when the Mumbai giants Mahindra won 3-2. Pradeep had a role to play in both of these goals
Round 3: Sushanth Mathew (Mahindra United)
Playing in his first I-League match this season, defender Sushanth held the defence together against a potentially dangerous Salgaocar attack led by Eneke and former India camper Manjit Singh. Sushanth’s performance impressed his coach David Booth and since has held onto the starting spot in the XI.
Round 4: MP Sakeer (Viva Kerala)
Had a great match against Chirag and almost scored from a marvelously taken free-kick. The buzz in the air was that Chirag was so impressed with his performance that they increased the figure on the check they have been carrying from last season in their bid to sign the Viva captain.
Round 5: Mohammed Rafi (Mahindra United) & Rueben Senyo (Viva Kerala)
Both the players scored a brace in a fine display against Chirag and Sporting respectively. They opened their I-League account in style and both players looked dangerous throughout.
Round 6: Denson Devadas (Chirag United)
The holding midfielder also doubled up as the creative spark in the midfield and consistently fed the Chirag strikers with both long balls and short passes. Though Denson gave a thrilling account of his skills, Chirag were unfortunate not to hold onto their one-goal lead and drew level with Sporting.
Round 7: Bello Rasaq (Viva Kerala)
The experienced Nigerian defender was a towering physical presence in the Viva half and was instrumental in keeping the Mahindra attack at bay. It didn’t surprise anybody when he was named man of the match.
Round 8: Krishnan Nair Ajayan (Mahindra United)
The versatile former India camper and Mahindra skipper played his best game of the season so far. Though he was playing in a not so familiar central role in defence, he controlled the match very well and seems like he has adjusted quickly in his new role.
Special Mention: Othallo Tabia (Pune FC) and Anas Edatodika (Mumbai FC)
Jason Morais for FootballKerala.com
