Profile: Michel Zabaco | NorthEast United's new defensive wall

The Spaniard has previously played for Atletico Madrid at the youth level

NorthEast United have announced the signing of their new defensive star Michel Zabaco, ahead of the 2023-24 Indian Super League season. The Spaniard has immense experience under his belt, and has been graced by the early guidance of the academy of one of the biggest clubs in Spain - Atletcio Madrid. 

Michel's signing is a matter of great delight for the Highlanders, as they now have an experienced commander in their defense, who can help the club build up a strong backline, and finally put an end to their defensive problems which have persisted over the past two seasons.

With that said, let us now take a better look at Michel’s career so far, and also dwell on the player's strengths.

Prior Experience

Born in the beautiful city of Burgos, Michel Zabaco had a keen interest in football from a very tender age, and had immense passion, driven by his incredible talent. Zabaco’s footballing talents convinced Atletico Madrid to sign him up to their youth academy at the age of 16. 

Michel’s talent was finely nurtured at the club, and the player rose through the ranks to take up a place in the C-team at the start of the 2008-09 season. By 2010, Michel had been promoted to the B Team and was playing in Segunda Division B, the third tier of Spanish football.

In 2012, Micheal made the move to the B team of UD Almeria, and after an impressive two-year stint, the player was offered a three-year contract. Moreover, he was also given the opportunity to play for the main squad at the start of the 2015-16 season. 

Zabaco continued to impress with the B team, but couldn’t break through into the main team, and made only three appearances for them, which resulted in him being loaned out to Cultural Deportiva Leonesa in the third tier. 

Following the end of his contract, Michel continued to play in the third division, for four different clubs, including his hometown team. The player played vivid roles in the success of all these teams, and helped three of the four in securing promotion to the second tier. 

Now, with his move to NorthEast United being official, the player is all set to embark on a new journey, as he plays his first ever stint outside Spain.

Playing style

Michel Zabaco is well built and a sturdy figure at the back, who has vast experience to take on the top-notch attacking quality that the ISL has to offer. His time at Atletcio’s youth levels also serves as a testament to the footballing quality and expertise that he holds, and Zabaco’s presence will surely be a pretty important for NEUFC's defense this season. 

Zabaco’s aerial abilities can also benefit the club both in defending and scoring from set pieces. 

What to expect?

NorthEast United have very much struggled defensively in the past few seasons, but Michel’s signing comes as a huge relief for them, as they now have a reliable figure at the back. 

Zabaco’s experience can help the entire defensive unit of NEUFC to overcome their defensive issues that have broadened over the years.

Speaking about the player, NEUFC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali also mentioned how delighted he is to have a player like Michel in his team. “We were searching for a player with a fighting mentality, exceptional leadership skills, and vast experience. Zabaco perfectly embodies these qualities, and his sense of responsibility will be invaluable. Moreover, he will serve as a mentor to our young players, sharing his knowledge and expertise. That’s precisely why we brought him on board.”

Whether NorthEast United will have a change of fortunes this season or a repetition of last season’s horror is something no one can predict. But what fans should know is that the Highlanders now have a new guardian to lead the club from the back, and pave the path for its redemption.