Why Lalengmawia Ralte's signing might prove to be Mohun Bagan Super Giant's most prolific one in 2024?

The Mariners signed Apuia from the Islanders for 1.6 Crores.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant showed off their might in style by clinching the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) double. The Mariners not only defended their ISL shield championship successfully, but they also won their second ISL title.

Jose Molina’s smart management of the squad and the sheer quality of the players helped them dominate the division. While the foreign players like Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren and Alberto Rodriguez, as well as Indian players like Subhasish Bose and Vishal Kaith, earn major praise, an individual who deserves equal praise is Lalengmawia’ Apuia’ Ralte.

The 24-year-old arrived with high expectations from Mumbai City FC in the 2024 summer window and enjoyed a memorable debut campaign for the Mariners. While the club might’ve had to pay big bucks for him, they managed to get maximum reward for their investment.

While the signings of the foreign talents in the 2024 summer window were highly revered, the capture of Apuia might turn out to be Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s best acquisition in 2024. Here we look at why it was a smart decision.

3. Immense in ball retention and holding qualities

Apuia played a key role in ensuring that Mohun Bagan Super Giant controlled the majority of their matches in the 2024-25 ISL campaign without trouble. In his 22 ISL games, the 24-year-old was able to make 133 possession recoveries, averaging over six recoveries per game.

He excelled in winning the ball back in key areas and moving it forward swiftly, helping his team threaten on the counter-attack. The Indian international is also an expert when it comes to holding onto possession, especially thanks to his press-resistant style.

Ralte has impressive quality when it comes to beating the opposition player’s presses, being able to hold onto the ball. He gives his teammates more time and space to venture into empty areas in the opposition half before moving the ball along.

Apuia has constantly worked on improving his ball-winning capabilities, leading him to be so prolific in possession recoveries this season. This trait of his is a key reason why he can be a success story in the long term as well.

2. Has a unique skill set among Indian midfielders

Lalengmawia Ralte has been able to stand out amongst all the other Indian midfielders in recent years because he possesses a very unique skillset. He doesn’t exactly seem to have any limitations for a central midfielder, which helped him oust many other midfielders in the 2024-25 ISL campaign.

The 24-year-old not only possesses impressive ball-winning techniques, but he is also smooth and accurate with his passes. He averaged 46 passes per game for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL this season, with an impressive 83% accuracy as well.

On top of that, he also made 34 interceptions in the ISL, showing his ability to break up play and disrupt the opposition players with ease. He can be described as the complete midfielder among Indian players because he possesses all the necessary skills for an Indian midfielder and is guaranteed to get better going forward.

1. Yet to reach his peak

Mohun Bagan Super Giant were able to sign Apuia at a perfect time, knowing that he still has many years to go in his career. The 24-year-old might be performing at a high level in the ISL right now, but the reality is that he’s likely to get even better!

Normally, midfielders reach their peaks after around 25, and it can continue into their early 30s as well! That means Apuia should prove to be a valuable long-term asset for the Mariners.

If one was to compare the longetivity of Ralte with some of Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s major signings of 2024 (the foreigners), he has more staying power as a regular starter for them than those signed last summer. Apuia will be looking to further improve certain aspects of his game, perhaps becoming more creative with his final passes and improving his shooting to score more goals.

Once he’s able to deliver goal contributions consistently and help control the show for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the midfield, Ralte will become an even bigger influence in the Mariners’ playing style.

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