How NorthEast United FC could line up in ISL 2023-24

The Highlanders signed 19 new players this season

The Indian Super League is all set to welcome its 10th edition with 12 teams competing for the highly coveted title. The Indian top flight began on September 21 with Bengaluru FC taking a trip to Kochi to play Kerala Blasters.

After a couple of other games, the focus will shift to NorthEast United’s first home fixture as they face defending league shield winners Mumbai City FC. The Highlanders have let go 16 first-team players from last season and have welcomed 19 new players and a new head coach as well.

On that note, let us take a look at how the Highlanders could line up for the upcoming season.

Goalkeeper: Mirshad Michu

Mirshad has been a mainstay for the Highlanders for the last couple of years. The Kerala born shot-stopper enters his third season with NorthEast United and will undoubtedly be the number one choice under the bar. 

Unlike the last couple of seasons, Mirshad is expected to retain his place all throughout the campaign. He showed good signs of improvement in the 2023 Durand Cup and will be keen to build up on his positives.

Right Back: Dinesh Singh

Dinesh is expected to be the Highlanders’ main man at the right-back position. He comes into the NorthEast United’s set up on the back of a very good I-league campaign with Sreenidi Deccan FC.

He was the first choice right-back in the Durand Cup as well. With Joe Zoherliana parting ways with the Highlanders, Dinesh will undoubtedly start. He was solid during the Durand Cup and will want to get better come the ISL.

Center Back: Gaurav Bora 

Bora enters his second year with the Highlanders. He will be raring to go and help his team execute a better performance than last season. Gaurav is also one of NorthEast United’s captains for the upcoming season and will therefore play a key role.

He was very good at the back during the Durand Cup and will want to bring in the same intensity in the ISL as well. Moreover, his partnership with Michel Zobaco was one of the most solid partnerships in the Durand Cup.

Center Back: Michel Zobaco

The Spaniard has hit the ground running for the Highlanders. His leadership skills coupled with his experience of playing the game all across the globe is a huge advantage for NorthEast United.

Zobaco is a proper ball-playing center back and is very active and aware of the happenings around him. Moreover, he plays a very vital role in the attacking half as well. He scored one goal and assisted one during the recently concluded Durand Cup.

Left Back: Tondonba Singh

Tondonba has been Juanj Pedro Benali’s first choice left-back despite the presence of Hira Mondal. The left-back has a never-say-die attitude and puts everything on the line to defend his side.

He was one of the two players who did not miss even a single minute of action during the recently-concluded Durand Cup. All in all, Tondonba is a solid fit on the left hand side of the backline.

Central Midfielder: Phalguni Singh

Phalguni has been one of NorthEast United’s statement signings. The young midfielder has hit the ground running and has already become a fan favourite. He has all the attributes that a midfielder needs.

He is proactive, fast and can make quick decisions as well. Phalguni’s performance at the Durand Cup was simply mesmerizing. He scored two goals and provided an assist in five matches. Phalguni is surely one of the players to watch out for.

Attacking Midfielder: Romain Philippoteaux

The Frenchman has been an influential figure at NorthEast United this season. He is also one of their captains this season and has led from the front every time he has been handed the armband. 

Romain’s creativity coupled with his ability to make things happen is what makes him even more special. He scored twice and created multiple chances for his side in the Durand Cup. Moreover, his chemistry with all players will also play an important part this season.

Central Midfielder: Nestor Albiach

Nestor has settled in pretty well with his new teammates, but will become even more influential in the coming days as he will be more match fit. He was a joy to watch in the Durand Cup with his through balls, chips and creativity taking the centre stage.

The Spaniard will play a very important role in Juan Pedro Benali’s system, given his versatility to play across multiple positions and his experience. Nestor’s ability to combine with Romain and Ibson upfront is already an advantage for the Highlanders.

Right Winger: Parthib Gogoi

It has been a dream start for NorthEast United’s boy wonder. Gogoi scored a hat trick in the opening game against Shillong Lajong and then added one against Downtown FC. His pace and his finishing ability is what makes him a special player.

Parthib will have a key role to play in shaping NorthEast United’s campaign this season. He has already shown signs of what he is all about in the Durand Cup and now its time he does it in the ISL as well. He is certainly one of the players to keep an eye on.

Striker: Ibson Melo

Ibson is NorthEast United’s best option upfront and he has already shown signs of what he can do. He needs to work a bit on his fitness and once that is done, he will become a beast at the peak of his powers.

He comes to India on the back of a highly coveted career in Thailand. The Brazilian has the right mix of pace, technique and trickery which makes him very dangerous. Expect him to fire on all cylinders once he regains his fitness.

Left Winger: Redeem Tlang

It is going to be a make-it-or-break-it season for Redeem Tlang. The Meghalaya-born footballer is back at his native club for a second stint after leaving for FC Goa in 2020. Redeem is expected to be a starter on the left flank, given his ability to play well on either side.

He has a point to prove and he must deliver and not let his club down. Tlang is highly motivated to show everyone what he’s got and it might very well be his season to shine.