ISL 2024-25: Full updated squad of NorthEast United FC

Juan Pedro Benali has developed a squad ready to challenge the ISL league title.

Following their first silverware, NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) are now ready for the challenge of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL). Head coach Juan Pedro Benali has been building this squad since 2023, and this time the Highlanders are expected to impress in the first-tier professional competition of the country. 

The club won the 133rd Durand Cup, by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final at the Salt Lake stadium, Kolkata, in a penalty shootout. In their first ISL match of the season, they will face debutant Mohammedan Sporting Club at 7:30 PM. at Kishore Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.

Rotation policy in the Goalpost

Head coach Juan Pedro Benali follows a rotation policy for the club’s goalkeepers. He used Gurmeet Singh, Mirshad K. Michu, and Dipesh Chauhan in the 133rd Durand Cup competition. It is anticipated that Gurmeet and Mirshad will take turns guarding the goalpost for the club. However, Dipesh Chauhan is expected to sit on the bench until the next Super Cup. 

A compact Defense

Captain Míchel Zabaco will lead the defense of the club. The Spaniard has immense experience under his belt, having been trained by the academy of one of the biggest clubs in Spain, Atlético Madrid. He, along with Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte, Dinesh Singh Soraisham, Hamza Regragui, Robin Yadav, and Tondonba Singh Ngasepam, will handle the defense.

Néstor steps up, Bemammer’s return in doubt

In the midfield, coach Juan Pedro Benali is using Néstor Albiach Roger as an offensive midfielder. Néstor played in the forward line in the previous ISL, but the coach mentioned that he had to take this role as there were no other options available in the frontline.

NEUFC attack boost

The club has invested significantly in the attacking side. One of the major factors of the club in the previous season is not to convert the chances into goals. This season, Juan Pedro Benali has many options in the forward line, who, with speed and dribbling, can net goals for the club.

Juan Pedro Benali has developed Jithin Madathil Subran (M.S.) significantly. Jithin scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists for his team in the recently concluded Durand Cup, winning the Golden Ball award. His speed and dribbling will trouble the defenders of the opposing team.

NorthEast United FC squad for ISL 2024-25

Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Mirshad K. Michu, Dipesh Chauhan

Defenders: Míchel Zabaco (captain), Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte, Dinesh Singh Soraisham, Hamza Regragui, Robin Yadav, and Tondonba Singh Ngasepam

Midfielders: Néstor Albiach, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Macarton Louis Nickson, Muthu Irulandi Mayakkannan, Shighil Nambrath Shaji, Bekey Oram, Fredy Chawngthansanga

Forwards: Guillermo Fernández Hierro, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Ankith Padmanabhan, Thoi Singh, Redeem Tlang, Parthib Gogoi, Jithin M.S.  

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