NorthEast United have enjoyed a bright start to the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL), sitting in second spot in the league standings. Eelco Schattorie’s men have looked a completely rejuvenated side this term, playing attractive football and getting points on the board.

Ahead of their next match against Delhi Dynamos, indiansuperleague.com spoke with Robert Lalthlamuana, who makes his return to the capital. Here are the excerpts:

Thoughts on the season so far?

First, thanks for having me here. As you mentioned, this is one of the best starts for NorthEast United FC has had in recent years I think. Everybody is happy. We are all happy about our performance until now.

Thoughts on Eelco Schattorie

I have worked before with him in Kolkata, East Bengal. I know how he likes to play football and how he approaches the game, its good, I mean it’s very nice to play football under him. We like to keep the ball, we like to dominate the game, that’s what he likes. The signings he has made have been pretty impressive so far.

On playing with Bartholomew Ogbeche

Yeah, speaking of Bartholomew Ogbeche. He is a good player and he’s strong with the ball, holds the ball well. He can score goals, he’s very calm inside the box and a good finisher. It’s very nice to have a striker up front who can score goals because sometimes there are mistakes in the defence, but you know, if you know someone can score goals it’s always a relief.

On playing against Delhi Dynamos FC

I was in Delhi Dynamos FC for two years, it was nice, they were very nice to me. Delhi Dynamos FC is a good team. Now I play for NorthEast United FC. Tomorrow (mute this please) night we face them, I am pretty excited about it. To be fair, I feel like I am coming back to where I started in Hero ISL, so I am excited.

What is the game plan against Delhi Dynamos FC?

The game plan is to win. We can beat them, as you mentioned they have a pretty good team, they are good at keeping the ball, they are in good shape and they are compact, and they have good attackers and wingers. So, you know, I have got to something to work on.