ISL 2017: 5 reasons why NorthEast United can win the title

It’s been a case of so close yet so far for NorthEast United, who tantalisingly missed out on play-off berths, finishing fifth in two of the last three Indian Super League seasons. Revamped with a new vigour, the Highlanders aim to take another shot at glory in the fourth edition, which commences on November 17.

NEUFC will miss the dedicated services of attacking midfielder Katsumi Yusa and strikers Nicolas Velez and Emiliano Alfaro, while last season’s head coach Nelo Vingada has also departed by opting for the Malaysian men's senior national team’s job.

The John Abraham co-owned team haven’t hired any head-turning marquee star but have loaded their arsenal with some of the promising Indian talents.

Here’s a look at the reasons which make the NorthEast side favourites to win the ISL 2017 crown:

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#1 Non-Indian forwards can spring a surprise

Luis Alfonso Paez

Nobody knew much about Velez and Alfaro before they rocked stage with their goal-scoring tenacity. Same is the case with strikers Danilo Lopes Cezario and Luis Alfonso Paez, who, inspite of having played for small teams fit the bill very smoothly. Danilo has already scored thrice in the pre-season games while Paez, who is very good with his left foot, free-kicks and headers, has found the back of the net once.

Lastly, NEUFC have another striking option in Odair Fortes, who has more than 200 games under his belt for French club, Reims. His experience will come in handy.

#2 Marcinho, the midfield general

Marcinho

Marcio de Souza Gregorio Junior or Marcinho, is expected to run the show for NEUFC. The former Corinthians and CSKA Sofia man has a bagful of skills at his disposal. He can double up as a striker and on most occasions, command the midfield while distributing the ball with precision.

The 31-year-old single-handedly won a pre-season game, scoring two goals in the process. He can act as the driving force for the team.

#3 TP Rehenesh is NorthEast’s go-to man

TP Rehenesh

The Kerala goal-keeper shot to fame for his heroics under the bar in the first two ISL seasons. While enduring some forgetful matches in East Bengal jersey in the I-league, Rehenesh has always found a way to perform at his best for the Highlanders and that’s the reason why he was retained.

Last year, he didn’t get enough minutes under his belt but there’s no stopping him this time. His solidity might prove to be a crucial factor in NorthEast’s title challenge.

#4 Ralte-Borges combo

Lalrindika Ralte (L) and Rowllin Borges

Lalrindika Ralte and Rowllin Borges will be a potent midfield duo for NEUFC in the upcoming season. Both will be served well by the fact that they turned out together in East Bengal colours for one entire I-League season.

Ralte has this attacking instinct about himself which makes him so dangerous while Borges has a sense of calm, adding strength to the defence line apart from controlling the midfield.

#5 Vociferous fans

NorthEast United fans can raise the roof on any given day

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati turns into a cauldron of noise on matchdays. At times, the atmosphere created by NorthEast faithfuls can be intimidating for any away side. There have been situations in the past when the crowd has literally lifted their team’s morale and helped them earn points from hopeless situations. One hint of goal and this stadium’s noise decibels reach an unimaginable level.

A passionate and vocal fan base is always a good thing to have when you are trying to win your maiden title.