Profile: Mohammed Ali Bemammer - Northeast’s new Moroccan mainstay

Mohammed Ali Bemammer has previously played under Benali at two different clubs

Indian Super League side Northeast United FC have completed the signing of their newest powerhouse in the midfield – Mohammed Ali Bemammer. The signing has come after a brief period of anticipation from the fans, who are surely left delighted with the incoming of a skilful and experienced man in the midfield.

Mohammed has signed a one-year contract with Northeast and serves as the Highlanders’ fifth foreign recruit ahead of the new ISL season.

On that note, let us take a deeper dive into the chapter of Mohammed Ali Bemammer.

Prior Experience

33-year-old Mohammed Ali Bemammer has previously played his stint only in Morocco. The Moroccan made a start to his footballing career at Maghreb de Fes, whereas a 20-year-old, he signed his very first professional contract at the club. Interestingly, Northeast United’s current head coach Juan Pedro was the club’s CEO at that time. In a brief period of 5 years that he spent at the club, Mohammed earned a revered status amongst the Masawi faithful, having won the triple crown – CAF Confederation Cup, Moroccan Throne Cup and CAF Super Cup – with the club in 2011.

After much success at the club, Mohammed made a move to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, where he spent a lone season, before being brought in by El Jadidi. Having made 92 appearances across four seasons with the club, Mohammed made the move to Ittihad Tanger, where was greeted with a familiar face in the form of Juan, who was the head coach at the club. Together, the two helped the club avoid relegation in their first season, and served as a good pairing together, before Mohammed made a move to join his boyhood club last year.

Mohammed also has 11 caps for the Moroccan National team and was also a part of the squad that won the 2021 African Nations Championship. Bemammer was also recently named in Morocco’s squad for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.

Type of player

Bemammer is a modern-day midfielder, who is equipped with an incredibly accurate passing capacity, and has the quality to break the opponent’s defensive line. His vision and equally apt passing will help Northeast generate a number of balls for players like Ibson and Nestor to chase.

Also, Bemammer is a highly skilful player, who has the ability to snap some long-range efforts, and it won’t come as a surprise if the Moroccan scores some long-range bangers for the Highlanders. The tall 6’3 bloke can also mount up on some headers and will be a real threat from set pieces.

Defensively speaking, Bemammer’s physicality and strong positioning will give Northeast a lot of prowess in the backline, as well as in the middle of the park. His flair play and cheeky dribbling abilities come as an additional package, that would enable him to break through tight spaces in the midfield.

All in all, Bemammer is a great playmaker, who not only guarantees defensive solidity, but also a lot of attacking impetus.

What does he bring to the team?

Bemammer’s signing has brought about a lot of joy and optimism among the loyal Highlanders, and a lot is being demanded from the Moroccan. His inclusion into a midfield that already consists of Romain now renders a lot of quality for the Highlanders in the middle of the park. The two experienced foreigners will guarantee a fluid midfield that not only creates attacking impetus but is also a second line of defence.

It's a reunion with the head coach @JP_Benali 🫶Mohammed Ali Bemammer is a Highlander ❤️🤍🖤#BemammerSigns #NEUFC #StrongerAsOne #8States1United pic.twitter.com/cGeAY7yl4V

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 9, 2023

As a seasoned professional, Mohammed can also lead by example for the young stars at Northeast, who will have a lot to learn from the Moroccan.

Bemammer’s previous connection with the head coach will also help the player to better understand the kind of play that is expected from him and will help him fit in much better.

Speaking about the Moroccan, head coach Juan Pedro said, “Ali is a very good player. I have known him since he was in the academy. He also played and scored some vital goals for the Moroccan national team. He is also a very good leader on and off the field. His presence, experience, and leadership qualities will give the team a big push this season.” Whether or not this super singing will be a success, is a question that for now remains unanswered, but what is certain, is that there’s a new ‘Midfield general’ in the city of Guwahati, who with his Moroccan flair, is going to light up the Highlands of Northeast.

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