I-League 2018-19: Chennai City's Edwin Vanspaul and Alexander Jesuraj steal the show in Round 3 & 4

South Indian outfit Chennai City FC stole the show in the round three and four of I-League 2018/19 season as they clinched two difficult away wins in Kozhikode and Kolkata to cement their position at the summit.

Akbar Nawaz’s side travelled to Kozhikode in round three and picked up full points against Southern rivals Gokulam Kerala FC. They then went to Kolkata and managed to beat a tough East Bengal side 2-1.

Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan got back to winning ways in the I-League after back-to-back draws. They defeated Indian Arrows 2-0 in Cuttack thanks to a brace from Aser Dipanda.

As round three and four ended on Tuesday, we take a look at the top Indian performers.

Edwin Vanspaul (Chennai City FC)

The versatile player has been an asset to Chennai City since season one and has now matured well and is one of the best Indian players in their squad. Vanspaul, who is playing as a right-back under Akbar Nawaz, was at his very best against East Bengal. He stood rock solid on the right side of the backline and also claimed the man of the match award. Vanspaul completely neutralised East Bengal’s left flank as Yami Longvah failed to make an impact. However, he was at fault for Enrique Esqueda's goal, after failing to pick him up. 

Alexander Romario Jesuraj (Chennai City)

I-League media

Another Chennai City FC star who is performing consistently on the right flank this season is Jesuraj. Playing alongside the Spanish trio of Pedro Manzi, Nestor Gordillo and Sandro Rodriguez, the young Indian winger has made a name for himself already. Jesuraj was instrumental against East Bengal and kept their left-back Manoj Mohammad on his toes throughout the match. After Michael Soosairaj’s mercurial rise from Chennai, all eyes will be on Jesuraj this season.

Gani Ahmed Nigam (Gokulam Kerala)

I-League media

Bino George has once again unearthed a talented youngster from Kerala who is doing wonders for Gokulam Kerala in I-League this season. The 19-year-old attacker is being played on the left flank by George at Gokulam. After making his I-League debut against Mohun Bagan in their first match, Gani lost his place in the starting XI against Chennai. But he came back against Lajong and announced himself at the biggest stage with a goal and an assist. He is on loan from FC Pune City at Gokulam.