ISL: NorthEast United's draft recruit Lalthuammawia Ralte has the world between his gloves

Lalthuammawia Ralte has been in great form for Bengaluru FC in the I-League

NorthEast United FC's first pick in the ISL Draft-2015 surprised many. Yet there was never any doubt that 22-year-old Lalthuammawia Ralte, was an important part of NorthEast United FC's strategy going into the draft.

The Bengaluru FC custodian, on loan to NEUFC for the ISL-2015 season has had an impressive I-League campaign which has seen him being recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the Indian circuit. He would most certainly have been on the radar of the other ISL clubs looking for goalkeepers.

The Mizoram lad made 20 appearances for the Blues and put in some stellar performances, notably a scintillating display against Salgaocar and a defiant performance against Mohun Bagan in the I-League decider.

Some fine performances in BFC's AFC Cup campaign also did him no harm. With excellent reflexes and the fine ability to deal with crosses, Lalthuammawia, also known as Mawia, has a fine future ahead of him.

Speaking to NEUFC's Media Manager after being drafted by the Highlanders, Mawia spoke of his delight at having being picked, "It is a great honour to be the first pick by NorthEast United FC in the draft. To be honest, I did not expect it and I was pleasantly surprised. I am super excited about playing in the ISL. It is different from the I-League and presents its own set of challenges. There is a lot to learn and I am hoping that I will grow as a player over the course of the league," he opined.

The former Shillong Lajong goalkeeper also had words of praise for NEUFC's marquee Simão Sabrosa, "What can I say that has not been said about him already! He is a fantastic player and I hope that he will score many goals for us."

Mawia also expressed his keenness on working with Head Coach, César Farías, "He comes with a great reputation. I am looking forward to learning from him and showing him what I am capable of."

A challenger for Rehenesh

Mawia's draft pick was an attempt to bolster the talent already present between the sticks in the form of T.P. Rehenesh, who had a fabulous campaign last time around. Mentored by the able Tony Warner, the two young guns will certainly give César Farías a pleasant headache in terms of selection.

"It will definitely feel good to play in front of home support as I will be essentially home," said Mawia, smiling, "I was following the draft on Television and I jumped when I was picked. I cannot wait for the experience to start."

NEUFC Assistant Coach, Santosh Kashyap delivered a splendid assessment of the goalkeeper, "He is talented, there is no doubt about that. His footwork is good and he anticipates danger well which is an asset for any good goalkeeper. His shot-stopping abilities are wonderful, so is his positioning. He picked quite a few Man-Of-The-Match awards for Bengaluru FC last season. It is dangerous to rely on one goalkeeper in such an intense league. That is why we had to go for Mawia. The best thing in my opinion is the way he has matured ever since he left Shillong Lajong."

With such plaudits coming his way, we sincerely hope that Mawia will shine on the biggest stage in Indian Football. The youngster signed off in exuberant fashion, "I will give my hundred percent for the club. I hope we can make the fans proud! Go NorthEast United!".