ISL 2017: Predicted XI for NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC's TP Rehenesh
NorthEast United FC's TP Rehenesh

NorthEast United FC is a club which represents the Northeastern section of India, and was started by Bollywood star John Abraham. They have been mostly concentrating on the development of the young players based in the 8 states of the North East. However, they are yet to have any major success in the Indian Super League

In the Inaugural season of ISL they finished last under Ricki Herbert, while finishing fifth in the 2 subsequent seasons.

A brand new season and a brand new opportunity, we look at how the Guwhati outfit might line-up in the fourth season.

Sportskeeda looks at the strongest eleven on paper of NorthEast United FC, which is owned by Bollywood star John Abraham and coached by Portugese manager player João de Deus.


Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeepers and Defenders

Goalkeeper: TP Rehenesh

TP Rehenesh has been the highest capped player for NorthEast United FC in Indian Super League with 27 appearance for the highlanders. The young player from Kerala has been a regular starter and the star player for the highlanders for the past 3 season, and is expected to start in front of the goal this season as well. NEUFC have not signed any other player in his position.


RB: Reagan Singh

Reagan Singh, 26 has been the part of the NorthEast United FC for last 2 season and has been a regular starter for the 2015 season. The right back is expected to start at the right end of the defence, as there is no strong challenge for the position.


CB: Nirmal Chettri

The 27-year-old defender has played 15 matches for the senior national team.Chettri was a part of the Kerala Blasters team who finished as runners up in Inaugural season. He joined NEUFC last season and played 8 games for the highlanders before joining DSK Shivajians on loan. Nirmal Cheettri is back at NEUFC and is expected to start at the heart of defence as the quota for foreign players has been reduced to 5 players.


CB: Martín Díaz

The 27-year-old Uruguayan defender joined NEUFC this season and will be a strong presence in the defence along side Nirmal Chettri. The huge frame from Montevideo will be a good threat for the opposition in set pieces and will neutralise any threat in the NEUFC area. He has played for Uruguayan side Liverpool FC, Asociación de Rafaela and Montevideo Wanderers before joining the North East side.


LB: José Gonçalves

The 32-year-old Portuguese defender can play as a left back and a center back, and we think he will start ahead of Robert Lalthlamuana as he has more experience and strengthens the defence line. The Basel youth product has played in many good European clubs like Hearts, FC Nürnberg, St. Gallen, Sion before coming to NEUFC. Jose has scored 8 goals from 182 matches in various leagues.

Midfielders

DM: Rowllin Borges

Rowllin Borges has been instrumental in the NorthEast United FC midfield
Rowllin Borges has been instrumental in the NorthEast United FC midfield

The strong Indian midfielder will an asset to the NorthEast side..25-year-old Borges was a part of the NEUFC last year and helped them to finish in fifth position. He was a regular starter last season and is an expected starter as they have retained him and will provide some much-needed stability in the middle of the park.


CM: Lalrindika Ralte

The 25-year-old, Mizorami Midfielder had an important role to play for ATK as they where crowned the champions. The creative midfielder was selected by the Highlanders from draft for Rs 50 Lakh and will expect that Ralte will lead the Club to ISL champions like he did last year for ATK.


CM: Marcinho

The Brazilian attacking midfielder had played for South Korean club Gyeongnam FC. Marcinho has had good experience from some top leagues in Europe. CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria, UFA of Russian Premier League and Turkish side Gaziantepspor. Marcinho has scored 37 goals from 256 games and the fans hope that they can see a lot of goals from the Brazilian star.

Strikers

RW: Seiminlen Doungel

Seiminlen Doungel played for NEUFC in the inaugeral season of ISL
Seiminlen Doungel played for NEUFC in the inaugural season of ISL

The young Manipuri star was drafted by NEUFC, he wore the Bangeluru FC jersey last year. Doungel has played for NEUFC in the inaugural season of Indian Super League and then moved to Delhi Dynamos last season. Doungel is expected to start in the attacking line for as NEUFC are in a fight to create more goals this season.


LW: Halicharan Narzary

The young winger from Assam has had a super spell for the national team and for his previous cub DSK Shivajians. He scored 4 goals from 12 games last season for the Shivajians. NEUFC coach will prefer 4-3-3 formation and Narzary will confortably fit into both the wings and help the team by scoring goals and also creating chances for teammates. He was the first player NEUFC picked in the draft for Rs 45 Lakh.


ST: Odaïr Fortes

The over 6 feet tall striker has played more than 200 games for the French side Stade Reims, scoring 23 goals. Fortes wore the Cape Verde 23 times scoring 4 goals. Nick named TGV. Fortes helped Stade Reims with promotion for two consecutive sessions, and the North East fans will hope that Fortes will help them to challenge for the silverware this year. Odair Fortes will lead the Highlanders attacking line and we can hope to see a lot of goals from Cape Verde player

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