NorthEast United FC
Subrata Paul: 7.5/10
Subrata wasn’t really called into action often on the night. The former Indian goalkeeper had another calm and composed shift under the bar. Showing loads of experience in coordinating with his defence, Subrata Paul showed yet again why he’s rated so highly in the sub-continent.
Nirmal Chettri: 5/10
Nirmal Chettri was having a good match until the red card. The former Indian right-back made a clumsy challenge on Mexican striker Anibal and earned a red card in the 35th minute. The defender was not at his best and merits just a 5 rating.
Gustavo Lazzaretti: 7/10
The Argentine proved yet again why he can keep Mailson Alves on the bench. A commendable match at the back, the defender covered the back-line confidently and formed an almost unbreakable partnership with captain Didier Zokora.
Didier Zokora: 8/10
The captain had a confident shift and played well as a make-shift centre-back, yet again. With Romaric and Rowlin Borges playing in the centre of the park, the former Ivory Coast international showed his versatility and ensured Nelo Vingada another clean-sheet.
Shouvik Ghosh: 7/10
The left-back had to do a lot of work defensively to keep the likes of Tato and later, Sanju Pradhan at bay. The Bengal defender made a lot of important interceptions and had an impressive match, with no mistake to his name.
Rowlin Borges: 7/10
The Goa player had a good game in the middle of the pitch. Linking well with Romaric, the tall-and-skinny player shielded his defence well and was calm throughout the game, except for a little debate with Tato in the first half. A confident performance in the end.
Holicharan Narzary: 6.5/10
Holicharan Narzary was one of the brighter players for NorthEast United in the first half. The Shillong Lajong winger tried creating a lot of chances in the first half of the game and linked-up play well with Romaric and Yusa. Narzary was substituted to give the NorthEast defence the much needed shape and stability after Nirmal’s red card.
Romaric: 8/10
The unquestionable leader in the middle for the Highlanders, the former Sevilla centre-half showed his quality with a brilliant performance as an orchestral link. Apart from coordinating play impeccably well, Romaric also attacked with vigor and always looked for a run into the open spaces. The former Copa Del Rey winner also played the key pass which resulted in the goal.
Katsumi Yusa: 7/10
The Japanese put in another commendable performance in both halves of the pitch. Playing at right-wing, the Mohun Bagan player slotted in at right-back to fill in for Nirmal Chettri to secure his team’s defence. He showed good reading of the game and linked well with the strikers and the center-halves according to the situation.
Nicolas Velez: 8/10
The top scorer of last season for the Highlanders has been showing his value throughout, and did that tonight yet again. Tireless in running at defenders and happy to assist his defence in times of need, Nicolas Velez ran a lot and created a lot of opportunities for his striker, Alfaro. Brilliant on the pitch, the diminutive winger played his heart out and showed why he’s so loved by the NorthEast fans.
Emiliano Alfaro: 8/10
The striker burned a lot of grass on the pitch and was the best player on the field by a margin. Playing as a solo striker against 4 defenders, Emiliano Alfaro worked hard on the pitch and kept the opposition defenders on their toes throughout the match. The striker had some luck on his goal, but thoroughly deserved it. Alfaro sits atop the goal rankings for now, having scored three times in ISL 2016.
Substitutes:
Raegan Singh: 6/10
Raegan didn’t have much to do with the opposition wingers looking a little tired and had a calm game for the time he was on the pitch. The diminutive full-back played well and gave Katsumi and Nicolas Velez much needed freedom on the right wing.
Wellington Priori: NA
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