NorthEast United FC have gone from strength to strength in the Indian Super League (ISL) since the arrival of head coach Juan Pedro Benali last year.

From struggling at the bottom end of the table to coming very close to making the playoffs last year, the Highlanders have started the new campaign winning the Durand Cup and are in a strong position to make the playoffs this season.

The Spaniard has led the transformation of the team and given NorthEast United FC a much more formidable look this season. While the league’s top goalscorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie has grabbed all the limelight with his 14 goals so far this season, Benali has developed a core of players that have shown the promise to make NorthEast United FC genuine contenders for top honours.

20-year-old Macarton Nickson is a player that has personified NorthEast United FC’s rise to prominence in the ISL. The Karnataka midfielder made his debut in December 2023 and has not looked back since.

Since his debut, he has made 24 appearances for the club which includes 14 starts. Benali has used his versatility to good effect as he has played him in different positions across midfield.

Nickson’s best game in a NorthEast United FC shirt came at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday where he scored one and assisted another in the team’s 3-0 win over Mumbai City FC.

The youngster gave an interview to indiansuperleague.com after the match and shared his thoughts on the performance, his relationship with Benali, Ajaraie’s impact on the team and more.

This is the first time in ISL that you have scored and assisted in the same match. How is the feeling?

I am very happy. I have improved a lot in the last one year and I would like to thank the coach for putting the trust in me.

NorthEast United FC have improved a lot since Benali has taken charge. What is so special about him?

Juan Pedro Benali has made us play like a team. I would say we have more unity in our team than any other team and that's our plus point. He trusts everybody and gives chances to those who deserve. He is strict with me but he is also like my guardian.

How is it sharing the dressing room with Alaaeddine Ajaraie?

Ajaraie is very humble. He obviously has the talent which everyone has seen He has been supporting me a lot. We are very good friends. I would like to learn more from him.

You have been consistently playing in the ISL for a year. How has the experience been?

Playing in ISL is not easy. Not everyone who played with me as a youngster has got this chance. So, every time the coach gives me a chance, I have to respect his trust. There are many players that are still better than me, so I have to keep working hard.

Who was your role model growing up?

My father, Louis Nickson, was an ex-international player. I would always like to follow his footsteps and take guidance from him. I started my career at the age of six at Root Sports in Bengaluru. Then I moved to Bengaluru FC. I was there for eight years. NorthEast United FC gave me this big chance so I joined the club and it’s been good so far.

What are your personal targets this season?

My target is clear from the beginning. I want to play for the Indian national team. I don't think about goals or assists. If I play well, support my team, then I am happy.