After finishing last in the inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), NorthEast United showed great improvement in Hero ISL 2015. Despite a poor start, they managed to keep themselves in the hunt for the semis for the most part of the league. However, luck wasn’t on their side as they fell just two points short of what would have been their maiden semi-final appearance.
Inspired by their show last season, the Guwahati-based club has reinforced their squad for Hero ISL 2016 under the supervision of new head coach Nelo Vingada. Team owner and Bollywood star John Abraham himself has admitted that he was also involved in a big way this time in matters from player signings to others to make sure that everything was in order and good shape at the club. With so much effort put in, the Guwahati-based club can at least be expected to make its maiden semis appearance.
Strengths:
After the agony of narrowly missing out on the semi-finals of Hero ISL 2015, one can rest assured that the fire to succeed in the upcoming edition of the Hero ISL burns brighter than ever within the Highlanders squad. Under the watchful guidance of their experienced Portuguese head coach Vingada, NorthEast United FC can be expected to have much more cohesion in attack and solidity in defence. This comes as a much-needed shot in the arm for them when taking into account that they managed just 29 goals over the past two seasons. Their midfield that comprises the likes of Yusa Katsumi, Seityasen Singh, Fanai Lalrempuia and Ivory Coast’s most capped player Didier Zokora is expected to dominate the battle for supremacy at the centre of the park. The addition of Nirmal Chettri, the experienced Gustavo Lazzaretti and Hero ISL winner Mailson Alves can be expected to further tighten an often leaky backline over the past two years.
Weaknesses:
Although preparations for Hero ISL 2016 have been relatively smooth, there could be areas of concern regarding how quickly the players gel and adapt to Vingada’s philosophy. The Highlanders would also want to see the back of the net ripple more frequently this season with quality additions in their frontline.
Players to watch out for:
All eyes will be on NorthEast United FC’s top goal-scorer from last season, Nico Velez. The 26-year-old will be hoping to carry his prolific form last year into the new campaign as he looks to better his tally of five goals from Hero ISL 2015. He will have more South American flair in attack for company with the likes of Sasha Aneff and Emiliano Alfaro. The promising midfield trident of Holicharan Narzary, Yusa Katsumi and Seityasen Singh will be looking to make their presence in midfield felt as well, while feeding off the vast experience of their marquee player and midfield general Didier Zokora.
New signings: Subrata Paul, Rowllin Borges, Fabio Neves, Didier Zokora, Fanai, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Koffi Christian N’dri, Wellington Priori, Emiliano Alfaro, Robert Cullen, Sasha Aneff, Sumeet Passi
Squad (as of now):
Head coach: Nelo Vingada
Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, TP Rehenesh, Wellington Gomes
Defenders: Salam Ranjan Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Robin Gurung, Reagan Singh, Mailson Alves, Gustavo Lazzaretti
Midfielders: Didier Zokora, Fanai Lalrempuia, Fabio Neves, Holicharan Narzary, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Katsumi Yusa, Koffi Christian N’dri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rowllin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Wellington Priori, Romaric
Forwards: Emiliano Alfaro, Nicolas Velez, Sasha Aneff, Robert Cullen, Sumeet Passi
Prediction: If the Highlanders perform to potential, there shouldn’t be any doubts surrounding their semi-final credentials. Anything less than a semi-final spot this year will be a massive disappointment after eight and fifth-placed finishes in Hero ISL 2014 and Hero ISL 2015.
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