Scout Guide: In conversation with Alen Deory and Rehenesh TP of NEUFC

Followers of Indian Super League would identify NorthEast United to be a team which gives maximum opportunities to youngsters. Last season, NEUFC had the youngest squad in the league celebrity owner John Abraham stressed time and again that one of the primary aims of the club is to provide upcoming players from the North Eastern region of India maximum opportunities to play.

The story still hasn’t changed in the second season, with NEUFC having a relatively younger squad amongst all. The average age of the squad this year is 27, which is indicative of the mixture of youth and experience in their team. They have retained seven players in the squad this year including two foreigners.

Going back to the inaugural edition, two youngsters who really stood out from NEUFC were Alen Deory and goalkeeper Rehenesh TP.

Midfielder Alen was in the limelight even before the start of the league as he was the youngest player amongst all teams, playing at the age of 18. He was also one of the sixteen India Under-14 boys to spend nine months at the IMG Soccer Academy at Florida, USA, five years ago.

He is known for his speed, powerful shots and brilliant heading abilities. When he made his debut in the first season, substituting Len Doungel against Chennaiyin FC he took seconds to impress the audience with his thrilling speed and energy.

Named after former England striker Alan Shearer, Deory’s performance was promising enough to have him retained for the second season.

The other name that caught attention from NEUFC was Rehenesh TP. The goalkeeper was amongst the favourites of team’s fans, courtesy his heroic performances throughout the season. Nobody had heard of him when the season started, and by its end he was judged as one of the best goalkeepers of the tournament.

The 22 year old had a fantastic season as he had the third most clean-sheets in the league, and made 17 saves out of a possible 21 shots directed at him, giving the team more than good reasons to retain him the team. In a team which had Alexandros Tzorvas, who kept for Greece at World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 in Brazil, this then 21 year old lad replaced to be the lead goalkeeper for NEUFC.

With NEUFC starting their campaign against Kerala Blasters tomorrow, Sportskeeda caught up with both these youngsters, asking them about their experience so far and about their preparation head of the season.

Interview with Alen

Alen, last year the entire world saw you as the youngest players to play in the Indian Super League, and you still happen to be the youngest in the league. What were the pickup points for you from the last season?

I learnt to deal with pressure and the importance of hard work. It is very critical to be willing to imbibe positive criticism as well.

What has been the biggest change in your game play in the last one year? We of course know you as someone with raw pace, powerful running and technical dribbling, something that constitutes a brilliant winger.

This year the Coach is emphasizing on working as a team and recognizing one's role within the squad. I am trying to take on my responsibilities and will adapt my game to help my team whenever I am called upon.

You will be playing alongside the likes of Simao Sabrosa, one of the very best mid-fielders in the world. As a 19 year old, how do you feel? Are you nervous to play alongside him? How is he as a teammate?

There is nothing I can say about Simao that has not been said already. He is a champion! What a lot of people do not know is that he has a great sense of humour. He is always looking after us, pulling our leg and offering very valuable tips. It is a pleasure to have him in the team. I am looking forward to playing with him in the ISL.

You are the only local guy in the Guwahati based franchisee, so there will be a lot of eyes on you. How does that feel? And since you played alongside or against some of the biggest names in the world football, what tips would you like to give thousands of youngsters like you, who want to make it large in the football arena?

I am aware of the expectations and I am delighted with all the love and support that comes my way. I would advice upcoming footballers to have just one goal-dedication to the sport. If you put your head down and keep at it, sooner or later, you will succeed.

Interview with Rehenesh TP

You were one of the most talked names of Indian Super League (ISL) first season. How confident are you coming into the second season, especially when you know that a lot of eyes will be on you?

I am confident, but I am not over-confident. I am looking forward to the competition and am looking forward to give my best for NorthEast United FC. The first season was good for me personally. I hope that I can do better this season.

In terms of learning, what were the biggest pick up points from the first season considering the fact that you faced some of the deadliest strikers of the world last season.

The biggest pick points were dealing with competition and maintaining your concentration. When you play against top players, you need to be confident and maintain your focus. The smallest mistake can lead to a goal.

We saw some really interesting saves by you during training in the social media. How has the training been? Especially with Gennaro Bracigliano as the coach.

I am super lucky to have two excellent mentors in my two years with NorthEast United FC. Last year, Alex helped me tremendously and made me a better keeper. This year Gennaro is providing me with excellent advice and is always helping me improve. The training has been fun yet intense at the same time.

Kerala Blasters and NEUtd are two clubs with immensely enthusiastic fan base. You come from Kerala and play for North East, how do you look at that?

For me, its very simple. Though Kerala is my home, I play for NorthEast United FC and I want to win for them.