Indian Super League 2018: Statistical Analysis of NorthEast United FC (NEUFC)

The North Eastern states of India have always been the powerhouse of football talent. Owing to the talent in every house, the U-17 FIFA World Cup team of India was packed with talents from the North East in the squad. However, the lack of funding and infrastructure for football also in North East has left all talents scattered with no promising future. Apart from football the north eastern region is also popular for the musical culture, often too classy and advanced.

NorthEast United FC was formed on 13^th April 2014 as Bollywood actor John Abraham and Shillong Lajong Football Club won the bidding of the franchise. Also known as The Highlanders owing to the beautiful mountain ranges in that region, NorthEast United FC remains the only team other than the 2017 ISL debutants Jamshedpur FC to have never reached the highland of the Indian Super League that is the play-offs. Despite having the potential and talent in the squad, things are not running smoothly. Quoting their present coach Eelco Schattorie, former East Bengal coach, said that the team lacked quality and hence he could neither opt for attacking game nor can his players dominate opponents on the ground. According to him, time has all the solution as Taj Mahal wasn’t build in a day. It remains to see how long it takes him and his team to play in the playoffs.

Indian Super League History:

2014 – 2015

– To be updated

2015 – 2016

-To be updated

2016 – 2017

-To be updated

Last Indian Super League performance

2017 – 2018

-To be updated

Present Scenario

2018-2019

-To be updated

NorthEast United FC Full Squad:

Goalkeepers:  Rehenesh TP, Avilash Paul, Gurmeet

Defenders: Mato Grgic, Mislav Komorski, Reagan Singh, Keegan Pereira, Pawan Kumar,  Provat Lakra, Gurwinder Singh, Robert Lalthlamuana, Simranjeet Singh

Midfielders: Jose David Leudo, Federico Gallego, Augustine Okrah, Rowlin Borges, Seityasen Singh, Fanai Lalrempuia, Nikhil Kadam, Redeem Tlang, Simranjit Singh, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, Rupert Nongrum

Forwards: Girik Khosla, Kivi Zhimoni, Juan Cruz Mascia, Bartholomew Ogbeche

(As of August 2018)

What is NEUFC’s playing formation?

Chennaiyin FC filed their lineup in a 4-4-2 formation, making them solid in the back and also bringing in four midfielders to back them up while two forwards try to execute the chances created for them.

Last Playing XI:

TP Rehenesh (GK); Nirmal Chettri, Martin Diaz, Jose Goncalves, Reagan Singh, Malemngamba Meitei, Rowlin Borges, Helio Pinto, Halicharan Narzary, Maic Sema, John Mosquera

IndiaFantasy Picks from NEUFC:

Goalie TP Rehenesh was excellent in the last season as he kept 2 clean sheets of the 17 matches they have played in the season.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the NorthEast United FC football team?

Strengths:

NorthEast United’s strength has been in their midfield and in the back. They have got some world class players like Jose David Leudo, Federico Galego and Augustine Okrah to cover up their midfield area. They also have two central defenders who are over 6 feet tall and can make it really hard for forwards to get past them.

Weaknesses:

The lack of Indian contingent in the squad has always been the problem for the NorthEast United. The foreign players not always perform in Indian condition.

Coach: Eelco Shattorie

Stadium: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

Interesting Tidbit:

If NEUFC can qualify to the playoffs then this would be the first time ever for them in the history of Indian Super League.