Ratings: Santana, Camara excel as NorthEast United hold Kerala Blasters

Both teams earned their first points of the season on Thursday night.

NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters continued their winless run in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 as they played out a stalemate on Thursday evening in Goa. The game ended as a goalless draw and was a cagey affair to say the least. For Kerala Blasters, it was a tale of missed chances. The southerners did not capitalise from any of their attacking moves. On the other hand, NorthEast United had a few half-chances themselves, which they did not convert. Despite the setback, both teams earned their first points in their respective league campaigns and clean-sheets of the ongoing season.

Let's take a closer look at how the players from both teams performed against each other on Thursday night.

NorthEast United (by Yash Pratap Singh)

Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (GK) - 6.5

The veteran keeper played a few misplaced passes. However, he also pulled off the save of the night by denying Alvaro Vazquez’s header.

Provat Lakra - 6.5

Lakra did not have a great outing. He gave away the ball in a dangerous position, which could have come back to haunt his side. However, the defender remained sound both in attack and defence in tricky situations.

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Patrick Flottmann - 7.0

The Australian defender had a decent debut in the Indian top-flight against Kerala Blasters. He made a few otherwise avoidable mistakes and gave away the ball in dangerous positions. However, he made several clearances to avoid danger.

Hernan Santana - 8.5

The NorthEast United captain won the ‘Hero of the Match’ award for his solidity at the back. He played good passes and remained calm and composed throughout the game. He almost scored a goal from a free-kick, but missed the target by the finest of margins.

Gurjinder Singh - 6.0

The left-back did not have the best of days at office. He received a yellow card and made a few untimed challenges. He was later taken off.

Khassa Camara - 8.0

The best player for the Highlanders against Kerala Blasters. He played diagonal balls, broke opposition play and also initiated link-up play for his side.

Pragyan Gogoi - 7.5

Gogoi had a memorable ISL full debut. He was impressive in the middle of the park alongside Camara.

Laldanmawia - 7.0

The winger played several misplaced passes, lost ball possession and conceded fouls often. Nonetheless, he performed relatively better in the opposition half and was a workhorse.

VP Suhair - 7.5

A lively figure on the left flank for the Highlanders. He whipped in pinpoint crosses and tracked back in multiple instances to help out his teammates.

Deshorn Brown - 6.5

The striker made threatening runs into the opposition box every time he had the ball. However, Brown could not make an impact and was taken off due to a hamstring injury.

Mapuia - 7.0

The 29-year-old had an impressive ISL debut and remained busy in the entirety of the match. He often dropped deep to make recoveries. Mapuia also made many runs in the opposition box.

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Substitutes

Tondonba Singh - 6.5

The left-back came on at half-time to replace Gurjinder Singh. He made a few mistakes, but had a decent outing overall at the back.

Mathias Coureur - 5.5

The Martinique international replaced Deshorn Brown. He was involved in an impressive attacking run in the final minutes of the game.

Mohammed Irshad - 6.0

The defender replaced Pragyan Gogoi against Kerala Blasters. He was performed well at the back and helped the Highlanders to keep a clean sheet.

Manvir Singh - 6.0

The young striker made his ISL debut by replacing Mapuia on the pitch. He made important defensive contributions late in the second half.

Rochharzela - N/A

The winger replaced Danmawia during injury time. He took a shot which was deflected for a throw-in.

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https://youtu.be/rxEpo-PkOZM

Kerala Blasters (by Harigovind Thoyakkat)

Albino Gomes (GK) - 6.0

Did not have much to do between the sticks against NorthEast United. However, he needs to improve his passing and distribution skills.

Harmanjot Khabra - 6.5

An improved performance, compared to his display against ATK Mohun Bagan. Contributed more defensively.

Marko Leskovic - 7.0

Did well in defence (six clearances, won four duels) and ball-progression. One of the best players on the pitch on Thursday night.

Enes Sipovic - 6.5

Partnered well with Leskovic, good in defence. The yellow card was a harsh ruling. Impressive passing.

Jessel Carneiro - 6.0

Like Khabra, contributed more defensively than in the previous game.

Ayush Adhikari - 6.0

Did well in the midfield and tried to build the play with creative passes; succeeded to an extent. Can expect more from him in future.

Jeakson Singh - 6.5

Picked up right from where he left off in the previous game against ATK Mohun Bagan. Can improve his passing skills as he lost possession often. Good defensive output.

Vincy Barretto - 6.5

Impressed on ISL and Kerala Blasters debut. Like Ayush, can expect more from him in future. Created a big chance, won most of his duels in the game. His speed will help him work wonders.

Adrian Luna - 7.5

Probably the best Kerala Blasters player against NorthEast United. Created many goalscoring chances and also had a shot on target. Won all but one of his ground duels and drew fouls.

Sahal Abdul Samad - 5.5

Disappointed against the Highlanders, made unforced errors. Missed a sitter that could have given the Blasters a different result altogether.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz - 6.0

Not much better than Sahal. Diaz disappointed many given his huge experience. Missed two big chances. Needs to work on his finishing.

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Substitutions

Nishu Kumar - 6.0

Returned to the pitch after a long break, played just 18 minutes but did enough to prove that he is getting better.

Lalthathanga Khawlhring - 6.5

Played the last 28 minutes, completed almost every pass and tried to build play up well. Contender for starting XI spot in future.

Alvaro Vazquez - 6.0

Should have been brought in earlier. Did not make much of an impact but he still had a chance to score. However, his header was saved by Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.

Prasanth Karuthadathkuni - N/A

Last-minute substitution, did not impact the proceedings much.

Chencho Gyeltshen - N/A

Came in the final minute of the game, could not impact the scoreline.

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