Durand Cup 2023: NorthEast United vs East Bengal | Combined XI

NorthEast United will be missing the impact of Gogoi

The 132nd edition of the Durand Cup has reached its pinnacle as the first semi-final is set to take place in a matter of a few hours. With just 3 games and 4 teams left to determine the championship, it’s almost time to draw curtains to this edition’s Durand Cup. 

The ongoing season of this historic tournament witnessed many heroics. This season’s Durand Cup proved to be a proving point for many, be it the stalwarts of Indian football or even the youngsters. The tournament has also proved to be a podium for clubs that had an awful last season to showcase their character this time. 

East Bengal and NorthEast United, the clubs which finished in the 9th and 11th position respectively in the ISL have fought their way to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup this year. Performances like this has been a result of fabulous performance from players on both sides. Some players at their respective positions were clearly above the rest in this tournament. Let’s have a look at the best possible combined XI of the two teams when they fight for a spot in the finals. 

Combined Playing XI

Goalkeeper: Prabsukhan Singh Gill (Team: East Bengal FC)

The most sensational signing by the Red & Gold brigade this season, Gill is proving his worth day in and day out. He has been the star performer of East Bengal this season. 

Left-back: Tondonba Singh (Team: NorthEast United FC)

Having played all the matches for NorthEast United this season, Tondomba has surely been a pillar in the NorthEast United defense. 

Center-back: Jordan Elsey (Team: East Bengal FC)

The 29-year-old Australian is proving to be the best signing of East Bengal. Be it standing strong in the defense or scoring a vital goal, Jordan Elsey is proving himself from the first tournament itself. 

Center-back: Gourav Bora (Team: NorthEast United FC)

Captain of the squad, Bora has shown tremendous form from the very beginning. His captaincy has also proved to be very beneficial for NorthEast. 

Right-back: Harmanjot Singh Khabra (Team: East Bengal FC)

Khabra with his gamer-play and on-pitch attitude has to be the reason behind East Bengal’s display of on-pitch confidence. Be it winning the Kolkata derby or any other game, Khabra has proved his effectiveness. 

Midfielder: Saul Crespo (Team: East Bengal FC)

The 27-year-old Spaniard has been the midfield maestro of the team. Besides maintaining proper gameplay, he also has a goal to his name.

Midfielder: Romain Philippoteaux (Team: NorthEast United FC)

This French midfielder has proved to be a boon for NorthEast United FC. His skill to move up and down the pitch along with his goal-scoring habit is a reason for NorthEast to come this far.

Midfielder: Souvik Chakrabarti (Team: East Bengal FC)

Souvik has had a decent performance for the team in Red & Gold this season. His impact has been felt whenever he was on the pitch.

Left-winger: Nandhakumar Sekar (Team: East Bengal FC)

This 27-year-old prolific winger has been one of the prime reasons for East Bengal’s success in this tournament. His continuous run on the pitch has also earned him a goal.

Right-winger: Redeem Tlang (Team: NorthEast United FC)

Having played 3 games, being a constant threat to the opponent’s defense, Redeem Tland would be a surprise performer for NorthEast in absense of Parthib Gogoi. Gogoi has been one of the best performers in the tournament so far. In 3 games, he has scored 4 goals, which includes a well-struck hattrick. However, Gogoi will be unavailable for the clash as he already got the call from the national team.

Striker: Javier Siverio (Team: East Bengal FC)

A new arrival at the East Bengal camps, 25-year-old Javier Siverio has been one of the most prolific strikers of the tournament. In the 4 games he played in, he has netted 2 goals.

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