ISL 2015: Five Indian NorthEast United players who impressed us the most this season

Despite not qualifying for the playoffs, NorthEast United had quite a decent season in this edition of the ISL, with the added bonus that most of their Indian players have really impressed. The team retained five Indian players from last season and some of them managed to impress us further this season while there are others who have joined NorthEast this season and have really mesmerized the NorthEast fans with their game. Interestingly, all Indian players in the team, apart from Goalkeeper Rehenesh TP belong to the North Eastern region of India. Here are five players who have impressed us the most this season.

#1 Sanju Pradhan

Sanju Pradhan has been a bright spot on the wing for NorthEast United (Photo courtesy ISL)

Sikkim’s very own Sanju Pradhan, who was a product of State Government’s Baichung Bhutia Football Talent Hunt, has impressed us quite a lot. The midfielder, who was juggled between the left and right wing by manager Cesar Farias, showed raw pace and excellent dribbling ability. He finished with three assists to his name and could have well been on the score sheet had he managed to gather confidence to shoot often. Sanju has been a perfect wingman to the NorthEast forward line who off late did fire.

Sanju played 11 games this season and had six shots on target. He was one of the regular names in the starting XI initially, but later on Farias started using him as a super-sub to inject more energy and fluidity into the wings. In the initial half of the league Sanju looked a little under confident with him not really attempting anything extravagant. But in the due course of time he has matured a lot and especially increased his attacking intent.

Sanju was also a part of the squad that won the inaugural version of the Indian Super League last season with Atletico de Kolkaka. He has also won two Federation Cups and an IFA Shield.

#2 Rehenesh TP

The 22 year old goalkeeper from Kerala is one of the most valuable additions to the team. In fact, Rehenesh TP has been the most consistent performer of the team in both seasons. He has been key in keeping the NorthEast defence in shape and resisted a lot of attacks with scintillating saves. He was not just the guardian of the post, but also a huge motivating factor for the team. Rehenesh is brilliant with his reflexes, frequently making stunning saves and is equally good on the ground with his distribution. The best thing about the goalkeeper however is his exceptional footwook that gives him a lot of stability.

He played 12 out 14 matches and produced 47 saves. He conceded 19 goals in total but also managed to keep 4 clean sheets. Last season, he made 40 saves which was the second highest after Subrata Paul and this season he bettered his own record and stands on top of the list.

#3 Raju Yumnam

The 26 year old Manipuri defender is another name who was very instrumental in the NorthEast United defence. He did initially fumble, with the opposition targeting him as the weak point in NEUFC defence but as the tournament wore on, he proved a very invincible man in the backline. The former Churchill man has 10 caps this league, which speaks volumes about the trust the coach has in him. Raju made his I-League debut in 2011 and impressed with his swift skills with Churchill Brothers and he still continues to do so with NorthEast United. He made 42 tackles for his team and made 19 interceptions. He also earned 3 yellow cards despite committing just 4 fouls in the entire tournament.

Ranu won the 2012-13 edition of I-League with Churchill Brothers, followed by 2013-14 Fedaration Cup with the same team and he used his experiance to guide NorthEast United’s defence this season.

#4 Siam Hanghal

Siam Hanghal is another young Indian footballer who has astounded the NorthEast crowd with his colossal ability to cross and pass. He too had been juggled a lot by Farias around the midfield region, yet was equally effective almost everywhere. The beauty of this 22 year old Manipuri player lies in his pace as he can cut through the defence of any team and create chances up ahead.

Hanghal made 12 appearences this ISL and had 4 shots on goal. He produced 402 passes with an exceptioal success rate of 80% as 325 of his passes were completed. This is the highest by any Indian player in the team thus making him the best passer in the midfied. Hanghal, a product of the Tata Football Academy, however committed 16 fouls and earner 3 bookings to his name. With years of football left in him, one can surely expect more from the midfielder in the coming seasons of the ISL.

#5 Aiborlang Khongjee

Khongjee Aiborlang — Khongjee has impressed with his solidity in defence (Photo courtesy ISL)

Khongjee has been a key member of the NorthEast United defence. Alongside Cedric Hengbart and Andre Bikey, Khongjee at one point made the Highlander’s defence almost invincible. The Indian international has been very clinical in the backline and resisted the attacks of the opposition on the right wing with aplomb. The former captain of Shillong Lajong FC, Khongjee is brillliant with tackles and his ability to provide long balls have really helped NEUFC a lot.

Khongjee, however made just 8 appearances for the Highlanders as he was away with national duty. But in his 700 minutes of play he produced 16 tackles and made 9 interceptions. He also produced 242 passes of which 175 were successful, a 72% pass accuracy which is quite high for a defender. He is one player who has no bookings this season of ISL and committed just five fouls.

Edited by Staff Editor