NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters Player Ratings: Jithin, Kotal impress but Asheer, Sachin falter | ISL 2024-25

The high-voltage clash between the Highlanders and the Tuskers ended in a stalemate.

Kerala Blasters earned a point in their third match of the Indian Super League – ISL 2024-25 season against the home side NorthEast United FC on Sunday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. NorthEast United broke the deadlock in the second half as Sachin Suresh failed to collect the free-kick from Alaeddine Ajaraie and conceded. 

After this, Noah Sadaoui’s strong left-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner went past Gurmeet, equalizing the score at 1-1. Guillermo Fernández found the net for the first time, but he was declared offside by the linesman. 

Asheer Akhtar was shown a red card for a challenge on Noah. After that, the Highlanders changed their approach, adopting a defensive strategy and earning one point.

Here are the ratings for the Indian players from the game:

NorthEast United FC (By Parashar Kalita)

Gurmeet Singh – 6.0

His driving save in the 50th minute of the game prevented his team from conceding the opener. He collected the ball confidently, except when Noah’s perfect shot beat him on his left side. In the end, Gurmeet was beaten by Aimen but captain Zabaco’s crucial interception, and one reflection save by the custodian, helped the highlander to win a single point.

Dinesh Singh – 6.0

Got the responsibility of marking Noah Sadaoui. He succeeded to some extent. Made runs on the right-wing side and delivered crosses. He created a chance for Jithin in the first half of the game.

Asheer Akhtar – 4.0

It was an impressive performance from Asheer Akhtar, as he made some crucial interceptions, winning headers in the centre. However, he was sent off in the 82nd minute of the game, following a clumsy challenge on Noah Sadaoui.

Muthu Mayakkannan – 6.0

Playing as a defensive midfielder, he held his position well. He made some key passes too. He got a chance in front of the box, but his header was too high.

Jithin MS – 7.5

It was Jithin’s determination not to lose the ball that won the free-kick in the attacking half, which was netted by Alaeddine Ajaraie in the 58th minute. He played on NorthEast United’s right-wing and continued with an intense work rate. He could have scored the first goal of the season in the 45th minute, had he held his nerve to keep his shot low.

Phalguni Singh – 6.0

Making his first start of the season midfield, his work rate was exceptional. The midfielder also created two key chances.

Buanthanglun Samte – 5.0

The left-back was good at making tackles. In the second half, he had to follow Noah Sadaoui, and it was from his side that Noah scored the equalizer.

Substitutes:

Macarton Nickson – 5.5

Came on as a substitute in the 70th minute, with no significant impact on the pitch.

Kerala Blasters FC (By Rohan Dutt)

Sachin Suresh – 4.0

The Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper almost cost his team the game with an error from a set-piece situation. He was beaten by a weak attempt from Alaeddine Ajaraie, fumbling it over the line.

Sandeep Singh – 7.0

Sandeep had a decent game on the flanks once again. The wing-back stood strong in his battle against Ajaraie and maintained his shape well throughout the match.

Huidrom Naocha Singh – 7.0

Naocha was impressive, balancing his offensive prowess and defensive responsibilities hand in hand. The wing-back was lively, dribbling past opponents, launching shots, and making precise interceptions and tackles.

Pritam Kotal – 7.5

Pritam Kotal was exceptional at the back for the Blasters once again. The Indian international stood his ground against the NorthEast attack, clearing crosses at the near post, putting his body on the line to block shots, and lunging into his opponents with decisive tackles.

Vibin Mohanan – 7.0

Vibin impressed once again with his defense- splitting passes into the final third. He often beat the defenders with his passes, but at times lacked precision to find his teammates. However, the midfielder’s positioning was crucial in Sadaoui’s equalizing goal for Kerala Blasters. One of his exquisite passes, late on in the game, led to an open chance from Aimen, but was squandered in the end.

Rahul KP – 6.0

Rahul KP did not pose much of a threat on the flanks throughout the first half. However, when shifted to the left wing, he became more involved and produced a shot on target. The winger had a quiet game overall and was subbed off in the second half.

Danish Farooq – 7.0

Danish Farooq, once again stepping in for Luna, had a different role this time. He was instructed to make attacking runs in behind, providing an extra presence in the box as a raumdeuter.

The Kerala Blasters midfielder opened up plenty of chances with his runs between the winger and the striker, also finding Sadaoui with a pass that led to a shot. However, he was shifted to a deeper role in the second half, making way for Peprah.

Substitutes

Mohammed Aimen – 7.0

Aimen came on to replace Rahul KP and made himself available in spaces once more, creating openings for himself to shoot. The winger almost got on the end of a pass squared by Peprah in front of the goal and launched numerous shots from the flank. Aimen almost scored a late winner, having beaten the goalkeeper, but surrendered to a late sliding tackle.

Hormipam Ruivah – 7.0

Hormipam had a decent cameo, rarely being tested as the Blasters took control of the game after the suspension. The defender delivered an accurate cross into the box, but Aimen squandered the chance in front of the goal.

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