Analysis: Why NorthEast United need to build a team around Lalengmawia

The 20-year-old won the ISL Emerging Player of the Year award last season.

Lalengmawia – better known as Apuia – is one of the brightest youngsters in Indian football right now. The 20-year-old midfielder was the breakout star of the Indian Super League (ISL) last season. He helped the sturdy NorthEast United get to the ISL playoffs.  Apuia even managed to outperform other prominent midfielders in the league.

The youngster even earned a place in the India squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He featured sporadically – but has a regular starter written all over him in the future. But, then again, to realize his ultimate potential – the 20-year-old needs support and guidance.

The Highlanders play a key role in his progress. They definitely have big plans to hand him a more prominent role in the squad from next season onward. Apuia shouldn’t be considered as ‘just another’ Indian star. Here's a look at why NorthEast United should build their team around Lalengmawia.

His journey so far

Apuia broke onto the football scene in India as part of the FIFA U-17 World Cup squad in 2017. He played a few years for Indian Arrows before being signed by the Highlanders in 2019. In the 2019/20 campaign, he made 10 appearances and impressed many with his passing accuracy, creativity and endurance in midfield.

But, it was during the 2020/21 campaign that he really shone. Lalengmawia played in every single one of NorthEast’s 22 games last season. He scored one goal and maintained a 74.47% passing accuracy. Apuia also averaged over four tackles and two interceptions per game.

His impressive performances won Lalengmawia the ISL Emerging Player of the Season award last season. That itself proved that he is one to keep an eye on in upcoming campaigns.

Impact at NorthEast United

In his debut ISL campaign, Lalengmawia impressed by maintaining an 80% passing accuracy in his 10 appearances. He put in some encouraging performances, which was followed up by an excellent second season in the competition.

Last season, Apuia had the best passing accuracy among all midfielders at NorthEast United. He also made the second-most tackles and interceptions – only behind Khassa Camara in that regard.

The midfield engine was a really proactive figure who buzzed like a bee. He was almost everywhere at the key moments – making clutch challenges to get the ball back and usher his side forward on counter-attacks.

In the end, Apuia’s defensive sturdiness also helped his side. He helped them close out many games and see off narrow, gritty results with his clever work at the back. His strong character and impressive concentration made him a menace to face-off against in midfield.

Future role

Apuia is a unique midfielder on the Indian football scene. He isn’t exactly as creative as Brandon Fernandes, nor is he as tenacious as Glan Martins. However, he is an extremely intelligent player who seemingly stands out in a class of his own.

Last season, Apuia played as the defensive-minded midfielder who was responsible for progressing the ball forward. He was given enough freedom to press players and gain back the ball, helping launch counter-attacks.

Going forward, Apuia should be played in a more advanced role. He isn’t exactly No.10 material quite yet – but can easily operate as a No.8. The 20-year-old midfielder should get the license to march forward and help create more chances.

Lalengmawia only scored one goal last season – providing no assists. That could be fixed if the head coach gives him the license to torment teams in a more attacking role. From next season onward, the ISL will only allow four foreign players in the XI. This is a move to ensure that teams aren’t as reliant on foreign stars.

The Highlanders are expected to have some quality foreign stars going forward. But, they can use that to build around Lalengmawia. If they're able to develop a self-sufficient, sturdy backline and employ a strong defensive midfielder beside him – Apuia could get more freedom to run the show for the Highlanders.

In the right environment, the 20-year-old should start developing new traits in his skill-set and widen the horizons of his playing style. He could create chances, get more goals and get into the box more often to score. Apuia has a lot of tricks up his sleeve – but only with proper investment and having reliable partners beside him can he lead NorthEast United to success.

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