NorthEast United FC have never made the semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) despite showing flashes of brilliance every year. After a horrid first season that saw them finish rock bottom, NorthEast have agonizingly missed out on the semis with two consecutive fifth-place finishes, failing to make the top four by two points on both occasions. Last season witnessed them experience their biggest heartbreak yet after failing to win a must-win encounter in their final league fixture against Kerala Blasters. The Blasters got the better of the Highlanders in the crunch tie and extended NorthEast’s unwanted record of never making the semis. However, with some impressive new signings – both domestic and overseas – in the squad this season, there is fresh cause for optimism within the camp.

Defence

NorthEast have secured the services of three robust defenders from three different continents to solidify their backline. Guinea-Bissau’s Mamadu Samba Cande, a.k.a. Sambinha will join Portuguese Jose Goncalves and Uruguayan Martin Diaz. All three add experience to NorthEast’s backline and will hope to gel well. Nirmal Chettri and Reagan Singh are not new faces in the Highlanders’ squad and are both known to be tough individuals to compete with for opposition attackers. Left-back Robert Lalthlamuana, who played a pivotal role in ATK’s road to the title last season, will further boost their defensive options.

Midfield

Their midfield boasts the Brazilian duo of Marcio de Souza Gregório Júnior, better known as Marcinho and Adilson Carlos Tavares Filho, a.k.a. Adilson. Both come with experience of playing in Brazil as well as Europe. Cape Verde playmaker Odair Fortes will be another key individual for NorthEast in midfield and has played most of his life with French outfit Reims. On the domestic front, Lalrempuia Fanai, who hardly featured for the club last season, will be hoping to get more of a reckoning this time around. However, Rowllin Borges, who was branded as ‘the best Indian player’ by their head coach Joao Carlos Pires de Deus will be their heartbeat in midfield. Composed while playing a defensive role as well as a frequent initiator of attacks, his high work-rate has always helped the Highlanders’ cause. Another old face in the squad is Halicharan Narzary, who like Borges, is an integral member of NorthEast’s midfield thanks to his speed and creativity. Alongside them will be the talented Lalrindika Ralte, who was instrumental in ATK’s midfield last year. Seiminlen Doungel is another option who comes with Hero ISL pedigree for NorthEast.

Attack

In the forward line will be Danilo Lopez Cezario, who adds to the list of Brazilians in the squad. He has played most of his football in Brazil and will be keen to make an impression with the Highlanders this season. Joining him up front could be Colombian international Luis Alfonso Paez, who is known to be prolific in front of goal.

The Coach

Former Portuguese left-back and Cape Verde national team manager Joao Deus will be looking to instill a winning mentality in the squad this season. Having been a defender himself, Deus will want to tighten the backline; an area of concern for the club in the past. His main objective will be to break the jinx of not qualifying for the semis with the talent and experience at his disposal.

Player to watch out for

Rowllin Borges is a valuable asset for any club thanks to his ability to defend and attack with similar gusto. One of the best midfielders in the country, Borges’ ceaseless running, strong tackles and smart interceptions, make him key to the Highlanders’ chances of success this season.

Pre-season form

NorthEast United FC took to Turkey for their pre-season and fared decently.

With a squad full of talented players in every departments, NorthEast will be hoping for their finest Hero ISL campaign yet. Head coach Joao Deus though will need to make use of all his experience and create a solid base in defence, if they’re to break their semis hoodoo.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Chabhal, Ravi Kumar, Tumbirumbu Paramba Rehenesh

Defenders: Abdul Hakku Nediyodath, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Jose Julio Goncalves, Keisham Reagan Singh, Mamadu Samba Cande, Martin Diaz, Nirmal Chettri, Robert Lalthlamuana

Midfielders: Adilson Goiano, Halicharan Narzary, Lalrempuia Fanai, Lalrindika Ralte, Malemngamba Meitei Kshetrimayum, Marcio de Souza Gregorio Junior, Odair Junior Lopes Fortes, Rowllin Borges, Seiminlen Doungel, Sushil Meitei Ahongshangbam

Forwards: Danilo Lopez Cezaro, Luis Alfonso Paez Restrepo

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NorthEast United FC 2017-2018