ISL: NorthEast United FC’s strongest XI
Sportskeeda continues the new series by looking at the strongest eleven on paper of NorthEast United FC that has Bollywood star John Abraham as one of their co-owners.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Alexandros Tzorvas – The Greek custodian is undoubtedly the most high-profile goalkeeper in the ISL after David James of Kerala Blasters. Tzorvas played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and even last season was featuring in the Greece Super League for Apollon Smyrni. So physically he is still very much in great shape and thus will be a key player for NorthEast.
RB: Robin Gurung – With no other natural right back in the squad, the former ONGC player is expected to start there for NorthEast United. Gurung was highly consistent in the I-League for Shillong Lajong last season and he would be aiming to be among the top right backs in the ISL, which could eventually earn him a national call-up.
CB: Miguel Garcia – Although the Portuguese has been a right back for the majority of his career, in the ISL he is likely to be used in central defence. Miguel, who has been a runner-up in the Europa League twice, was plying his trade for Mallorca in the La Liga last season and thus there can be no doubts about his competitive edge.
CB: Aibor Khongjee – The 26-year-old from Meghalaya wasn’t given an extension at Mohun Bagan but former club Shillong Lajong re-signed him and thus was later included in the NorthEast United squad. Khongjee is versatile but is likely to be used in central defence, a position where he made his international debut and is in the India squad for the Palestine friendlies.
LB: Joan Capdevila – The Spanish World Cupper is expected to play in his familiar left back role and unlike many of the marquee foreigners there shouldn’t be any concerns regarding his fitness as he was playing for Espanyol in the La Liga last term. Capdevila will be looking to lead from the front both on and off the pitch.
RM: Boithang Haokip – The 2014 FPAI fans’ player of the year could become one of the best Indian performers in the inaugural edition of the ISL. Boithang is capable of playing in both flanks and can shoot with both feet. He has consistently created and scored for Lajong in the I-League and will be aiming to do the same in the ISL.
CM: Milan Singh – Despite being only 22, Milan has already played plenty of big games from the middle of the park in the I-League for Arrows and Lajong. The Manipuri was part of India’s Asian Games squad but didn’t get enough opportunities to make an impression. He should be able to benefit from playing with high-profile foreigners.
CM: Issac Chansa – The Zambian is one among the very few ISL foreigners who is still active in international football. Chansa won the 2012 African Cup of Nations and his quality and experience will make a massive difference to NorthEast’s midfield. Chansa is a box-to-box midfielder and his combative style could make him the heartbeat of the NorthEast side.
LM: David Ngaihte – The Manipuri has been a late starter but he caught the attention in last season’s I-League while playing for Rangdajied United. That got him a contract with Lajong and an opportunity to play in the ISL. Ngaihte will face plenty of competition for a start and thus has to make significant contributions whenever he gets a chance.
FW: Cornell Glen – The Trinidad and Tobago striker is one of three ISL foreigners to have previously played in the I-League and is a proven goal-scorer in Indian football with 13 goals in last season’s I-League. Glen’s familiarity to the Indian conditions will give his side a massive advantage and so he can be expected to be prolific.
FW: James Keene – The Englishman faces plenty of competition for a starting berth from other foreign strikers but being slightly younger at 28, he could get the nod. The former Portsmouth striker has the attributes to become one of the leading scorers of the ISL but he will have to quickly adapt to the Indian climate and conditions.
