"I try to emulate Zidane": NorthEast United FC's Zodingliana Ralte

Zodingliana Ralte with coach Lee Taylor

Zodingliana Ralte plays for NorthEast United FC in the Hero Indian Super League. Ralte is a product of I-League side Shillong Lajong FC’s youth system. The talented midfielder has represented India at all junior age group levels. Also he has played for the U-16 and U-19 Mizoram team. He is currently a part of Shillong Lajong FC’s senior squad.

Speaking in an interview with Sportskeeda, Ralte expresses his desire to play for the senior national team in fututre and his admiration for France legend Zinedine Zidane.

Do you think you're ready to represent Indian on the senior level?

That is a tough question. I need to learn a lot. I need to gain experience. But I am sure  I can make to the senior team soon.

How much has Shilong Lajong experience helped you in this ISL season? 

The experience has helped me a lot. I have to play big games here and Lajong’s experience has been really helpful. 

Do you think NEUFC and Shilong Lajong share the same philosophy?

Yes,both the teams are good. We try to win all the matches. We have a good coach and hopefully we will do well.

Who is that one foreign player you look up to in NEUFC?

I cannot mention about any single player. All of them are good and I look up to them all.
 

You have admitted before that you admire Zinedine Zidane. Being an attacking midfielder yourself, what is that one skill of the Frenchman you'd like to emulate on the field?

Yes I admire Zinedine Zidane. I try to emulate his passing ability and deliver killer passes. Also his set pieces is another aspect which I try to copy.

What is that one quality of NEUFC that separates them from the rest of the teams in the tournament? 

The team is really good, there are a lot of quality players and the team spirit is also great here at NorthEast United FC. We hope to so well this season.

What are NEUFC's expectations from this season? Is there any pressure already to win the first season of ISL?

No pressure at all from the team. It is a competitive league and all the teams are good. We have done well so far. We have a really good coach. He is great tactician and we expect to do well.