NorthEast United FC’s Hero Indian Super League (ISL) journey has not been a favourable one. The Highlanders remain the only club who have failed to make it to the playoffs of the Hero ISL over the past four seasons, a result which does not do justice to the plethora of talent available in the North-eastern states of India. Hence, with a complete squad overhaul and a new head coach, the Highlanders would want to break into the playoffs this 2018-19 season.

Here we take a look at how the club is placed prior to this edition.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

In the bid to change their fortunes this season, NorthEast have completely changed their foreign contingent, bringing on board seven new players. The biggest signing among them has been former Paris St-Germain forward Bartholomew Ogbeche, who would be given the responsibility to spearhead their attack, aided by Uruguayan Juan Cruz Mascia.

To strengthen the defence, the Highlanders have brought in two Croatian centre-backs - Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski, while Jose David Leudo, Federico Gallego and Augustine Okrah have shifted base to India to man the Northeast midfield. Thus, a healthy mix of foreigners may just prove to be the answer to all their past problems.

When it comes to the domestic contingent, an overhaul can be seen there as well. As much as 14 players have been signed by the Highlanders, with Nikhil Kadam, Kivi Zhimomi, Rupert Nongrum and Seityasen Singh being the most promising additions. However, the retention of fan favourites TP Rehenesh and Rowlin Borges is sure to bring happiness to the club faithful.

AT THE HELM

After assisting Avram Grant in 2017-18 to bring back some composure to an ailing NorthEast unit, Eelco Schattorie has been handed over the reigns of the club in 2018-19. The Dutch already has experience in heading clubs in India, having coached Hero I-League club East Bengal in 2015.

A manager who prefers an attacking style of football and relies on the planks to initiate attacks, Schattorie would be happy with the squad he has in place. However, his main job would be to ensure the Highlanders’ attack succeeds in getting the back of the net this season, the thing which led to their downfall last season around.

Nevertheless, the 46-year-old will take solace from the fact that NorthEast had a fairly successful pre-season at Guwahati, winning three out of their four friendly fixtures. After fantastic attacking performances against Guwahati Town Club, NBP Rainbow Athletic Club and Minerva Punjab, they failed to get past NEROCA FC. But Schattorie would see it as a good base to build upon.

STRENGTHS

Looking at the current squad, the midfield bears the look of being a solid unit. With three foreigners in the form of Leudo, Okrah and Gallego up for consideration and promising Indian talents like Borges, Kadam and Nongrum in the squad, Schattorie will have a plethora of good options to choose from.

Also, the presence of two towering and experienced central defenders - Grgic and Komorski, will give them much defensive solidity at the back, something they missed last season, having conceded 27 times in 18  matches. Also, the presence of Ogbeche upfront will be a huge boost to the attack, which could score just a paltry 12 goals last season.

AREAS OF CONCERN

The Highlanders’ primary objective over the four seasons has been to give local talents a chance at the national stage, which they have carried forward this season as well. But with young players in the mix, Schattorie has to ensure that inexperience doesn’t cost them matches. Also, the goalkeeper contingent looks shaky, with first-choice goalkeeper TP Rehenesh being error prone over the last couple of seasons. This is an area that needs massive improvement this time around.

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Pawan Kumar, TP Rehenesh, Gurmeet

DEFENDERS: Mislav Komorski, Pawan Kumar, Gurwinder Singh, Mato Grgic, Provat Lakhra, Simranjeet Singh, Reagan Singh, Robert Lalthlamuana, Keegan Pereira

MIDFIELDERS: Jose David Leudo, Fanai Lalrempuia, Rowlin Borges, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Federico Gallego, Augustine Okrah, Rupert Nongrum, Redeem Tlang, Nikhil Kadam

FORWARDS: Bartholomew Ogbeche, Girik Madhav Khosla, Kivi Zhimomi, Juan Cruz Mascia

FINAL VERDICT

A new coach, a new set of players and a new season. With seasoned campaigners and an attacking philosophy within the team, this edition could very well turn out to be the Highlanders best till date, where they eventually manage to break the shackle and reach the playoffs. Whether they can live up to the hopes and expectations of their passionate fanbase is something the nation will get to witness within weeks.

NorthEast begin their Hero ISL campaign against FC Goa at home on October 1, while their first away fixture would be against ATK on October 4. 

To view their full list of fixtures, click here.

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NorthEast United FC 2018-2019