Five NorthEast United players to watch out for in ISL 2026-27
The Highlanders begin their ISL 2026-27 campaign against Mohun Bagan SG.
The Indian Super League (ISL) is back in its all-new avatar and has gotten better and bigger than before. After a thrilling round of fixtures on the opening day, the focus will shift to Guwahati as NorthEast United gear up to welcome Mohun Bagan Super Giant for their opening encounter.
The Highlanders come into the league season on the back of a disappointing IFA Shield campaign and will be pumped up to turn things around in their favour.
Bagan meanwhile will hope to get things right this season and reclaim glory and stamp their authority on the Indian top flight.
Both teams came across each other very recently in the 2026 Durand Cup semi-final where the Mariners emerged victorious after a penalty shootout and also the IFA Shield where the game ended in a draw. Although it’s just the first game, a lot is already at stake for both the outfits.
On that note, let us take a look at the top five players for NorthEast United ahead of their opening clash.
5. Parthib Sundar Gogoi
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The Highlanders’ star boy will be keen to replicate his heroics in the Indian topflight this season. Parthib has been one of the most consistent players up front for the Highlanders and has shown up with valuable contributions time and again.
His pace and maturity could very well fuel NorthEast United’s chances for a win in Guwahati on Monday.
Gogoi is fresh off a very successful Durand Cup campaign where he recorded seven goal contributions in the form of two goals and five assists.
He adds a lot of firepower to the Highlanders’ set up with his renewed energy and ability to take on defenders. He is known for turning things around after coming off the bench and has done that on a lot of occasions.
4. Jithin MS
(Courtesy: ISL Media)
Jithin MS has established himself as one of the go-to-players for Juan Pedro Benali. From being one of the most underperforming players to becoming a regular and impactful starter, Jithin has come a long way.
His blistering pace coupled with his ability to put in pin-point crosses into the box is what makes him so very dangerous for any defensive unit in the league.
Jithin is not afraid to take on any defenders and goes toe-to-toe for every ball. He works very hard on the pitch and often forces opposition defenders into making silly mistakes.
The 28-year-old notched up four goal contributions in the recently concluded Durand Cup and will be raring to add more goals and assists to his tally.
3. Eneko Satrústegui
Eneko Satrústegui is among one of the most talked about foreign signings for NorthEast United this season. The Spaniard replaces the outgoing skipper Michel Zabaco at the centre-back position.
At 35, Eneko is the oldest overseas player for the Highlanders, but brings with him a bag full of experience having played a lot of football across the globe.
The left-footed defender has the experience of representing Spanish giants like Osasuna and Racing Santander which could turn out to be an added advantage for the Highlanders.
Satrústegui will be expected to take over the defensive duties from the get on and pass on all his learnings and experience to the younger ones in the team.
2. Pramveer Singh
The signing of Pramveer Singh has to be the highlight of the transfer window for NorthEast United. The young and dynamic defender is going to be an undisputed starter for the Highlanders given the type of performances he has had coming into this season.
Pramveer has a lot of potential to become one of the finest defenders in the history of the nation.
His ability to perform under pressure coupled with his defensive instincts make him a valuable addition to Juan Pedro Benali’s setup.
He likes to keep the ball and is known for his agile and quick movements without the ball. Moreover, he could very well form a solid partnership with the likes of Eneko Satrústegui and Asheer Akhtar.
1. Alaaeddine Ajaraie
If there’s one player who needs no introduction at all in the ISL at the moment, is Alaaeddine Ajaraie. The Moroccan has taken the Indian football fraternity by storm ever since his arrival in 2024 and has continued to break records after records every season.
He missed out on the ISL last season due to some complications, but will be ever so ready to make his presence felt in the league this time.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie recently scored his 50th goal for the Highlanders in the IFA Shield and will be keen to add more goals to his tally.
The 33-year-old has already won three golden boots and two golden balls since donning the colours of NorthEast United. His movements off the ball and pin-point positioning inside the box make him even more dangerous for any opposition side.
Who is the head coach of NorthEast United FC?
Juan Pedro Benali is the head coach of NorthEast United FC.
Will Alaaeddine Ajaraie play for NorthEast United in ISL 2026-27?
Yes, Alaaeddine Ajaraie will play for NorthEast United in ISL 2026-27 following his return from a loan spell.
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