A day after announcing Bartholomew Ogbeche as their first international signing of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19, NorthEast United FC have added another striker in the form of Juan Cruz Mascia to their setup. The Uruguayan is the Highlanders second foreign recruit, as they look to leave behind the disappointment of the 2017-18 season.

Admired by the legendary Diego Forlan himself, the young Uruguayan forward makes his debut in the @IndSuperLeague with us! 🙌#WelcomeMascia 🇺🇾#StrongerTogether #8States1United pic.twitter.com/s9JMQ8FcSz

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 27, 2018

Mascia came through the youth system of Miramar Misiones, an Uruguayan outfit based in capital Montevideo. After earning promotion to the first team, he grabbed eyeballs of Uruguayan giants Nacional, who brought the youngster on board in 2012.

After spending five years with Nacional which included a loan spell, Mascia went on to sign for El Tanque Sisley in 2017 and Plaza Colonia in 2018. The 24-year-old also represented his country in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where they lost to Mexico in the Finals.

NorthEast United will be his first stint outside his country, a challenge Mascia will definitely be looking forward to. After appointing Eelco Schattorie as head coach for the upcoming season, the Highlanders are focused on strengthening their attack, the failure of which was one of the main reasons behind their dismal performance in 2017-18.