Durand Cup 2024 Player Ratings: Gurmeet & Jithin shines, Stewart and Liston disappoint

Gurmeet has guided his team to their first major trophy since its formation.

NorthEast United FC has denied Mohun Bagan Super Giant and become the champions of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup in a penalty shootout. It’s the team’s first trophy since its formation.

Juan Pedro Benali’s side came back in the second half, and dominated the play, scoring two goals to equalize. Gurmeet turned out to be the hero of the team, making two crucial saves against Indian national players. Here are the ratings from the game:

NorthEast United FC

Gurmeet – 9.0

Gurmeet had a wonderful performance in the competition. In the Durand Cup 2024 final he was beaten for the first time, but he cannot be held responsible for those goals as he put in a brilliant shift for his team.

After making mistakes early on, Gurmeet redeemed himself in the penalty shootout, making a strong comeback, and saving two shots from Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose. By doing so, he guided his team, to their first trophy since its inception, while also clinching the Golden Glove Award for this tournament.

Jithin M.S – 8.00

The star player for NorthEast United FC, in this tournament, Jithin M.S. was the lone fighter for his side in the first half. His speedy runs from the wings caused havoc in Mohun Bagan’s defensive ranks. It was only Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s sheer brilliance that denied Jithin to score one goal.

He set up Ajaraie on the edge of the box and the Moroccan slotted the ball into the right corner for the first goal. He was awarded the Man of the Tournament award with 4 goals and 3 assists in this tournament.

Mohammed Ali Bemmammer: 5.00

The midfield man struggled against Mohun Bagan from the start. He supported the defense and provided an aerial pass to Jithin MS. However, after 20 minutes, he suffered an injury. Despite wanting to continue, he was substituted by Néstor Albiach during the first drinks break.

Dinesh Sing – 4.5

Playing on the right side of the defense, he got lucky in the first 45 minutes of the game, as Mohun Bagan did not score from that side. However, in the 3rd minute of stoppage time at the brink of half-time, Liston Colaco beat him with a run, and gave an assist to Sahal Abdul Samad, scoring the second goal for Mohun Bagan.

Thoi Singh – 3.5

Defender Subhasish Bose handled Thoi very comfortably. He wasn’t very involved in the game as he almost got instantaneously dispossessed whenever he hoarded the ball for an extra second. Accordingly, Thoi was substituted after the very first half.

Hamza Regragui – 5

He received a yellow card for protesting the decision of the first penalty in the 10th minute of the game as he failed to be impactful throughout the match and got substituted at halftime.

Mayakkannnan Muthu – 5

Playing in the middle of the park, Muthu did not impress much. However, in the second half, with the team’s performance, his morale and performance steadily picked up pace.

Miguel Zabaco – 6.0

Captain Zabaco once again led from the front as his crucial interceptions denied Mohun Bagan opportunities at key moments. After conceding two loose goals in the first half, he successfully maintained discipline amongst his side’s ranks throughout the second half.

Asheer Akhtar – 5.5

Because of his tackle on Sahal Abdul Samad, Mohun Bagan was awarded the first penalty in the first 10 minutes of the game, which Jason Cummings converted. However, as the game progressed, his performance improved.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie – 7.0

The Moroccan struggled in the first half, with his only contribution being a pass to Jithin inside the penalty box. However, his second half was brilliant. He scored his first goal with a sharp strike into the far corner of the goalpost, beating the hapless Vishal Kaith, and also assisted the second, helping his side script an incredible comeback.

Néstor Albiach Roger – 6.5

He came on as a forceful substitution in the first half. In the second half, he controlled the midfield and created several chances for his teammates. However, failed to convert many of those opportunities into goals.

Macarton Nickson – 6.5

Macarton Nickson started in the second half, having not had much time in the tournament but he still impressed in midfield with his gameplay. His highlight was a thunderous shot that forced a timely save from Vishal Kaith.

Guillermo Fernandez – 7.0

The Spanish striker scored a brilliant equalizer. Though he didn’t start the game, he showcased his brilliance after being subbed on as he proved that he was going to be a significant asset to his team in his first tournament with them.

Tondonba Singh – 5.0

Had an average game, with some good passes and interceptions. He could have done much better, especially in the first half.

Parthib Gogoi – NA

He missed his penalty in the previous Durand Cup semifinal against East Bengal FC. However, he didn’t miss this time and scored in the penalty shootout.

Robin Yadav: NA

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (By Samannay Sen)

Vishal Kaith – 7

Kaith made two crucial saves and saved his team from conceding but had no chance to save the two goals that went against him.

Tom Aldred – 5

Although after Alberto Rodriguez left, all eyes were naturally on him, he could have done better with his marking given his experience.

Thapa – 6

He had a good first half, with crucial interceptions in the middle as he helped the Mariners turnover possession.

Greg Stewart – 4

He was not up to the mark today as his passes could not manage to be as decisive as they are reputed to be.

Manvir Singh – 7

Manvir looked sharp with his runs on the wing, but he was not tracking back as often, failing to help out the defence.

Subhasish Bose – 7

Marshalled the defence well but looked sluggish overall. Could not do anything to avoid conceding the two goals as the captain seemed to have lost control of the ship already by then.

Liston – 8

He put in some deadly runs from the wings and was involved in the second goal of Mohun Bagan. His cross was converted by Sahal as the Mariners led 2-0 at the break. However, he became the villain as he missed the crucial penalty in the shootout

Sahal Abdul Samad – 7

He had a great first half and scored a crucial goal from Liston’s cross. He dribbled past the Highlanders ranks well and took on defenders as he was easily the Mariners’ most effective offensive outlet.

Alberto Rodriguez– 5

Despite a more or less decent first showing, the center-back was forced off due to an injury he sustained in the first half.

Jason Cummings -7

Scored from the penalty and had a great first half. However, he looked a little tired in the second half and lost possession in the final third.

Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) – 6

He was good with his interceptions in the midfield, but a lot more was expected from the midfielder as he had a bang-average game.

Dimitri Petratos – 6

After coming on in the second half, Dimitri Petratos took two crucial shots that were on target. The Australian hitman tried his best but failed to score in the match.

Abhishek Suryavanshi – 5

Average game for him, as he looked overshadowed by the tempered and well-organised NorthEast United FC midfield.

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