Kolkata : Northeast United FC have to do without their star striker Alaeddine Ajarie for the season after the Moroccan joined the Indonesian Super League on loan.
However, like Mumbai City FC, the Highlanders have found ideal replacements in the market and possibly have done more shrewd business than the Islanders.
I-League’s record-shattering goalscorer Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia has big shoes to fill.
At the same time, the two new foreign arrivals, Andy Rodriguez and Jairo Samperio, with a wide range of European league experience, are expected to create a solid partnership in the middle of the park.
Míchel Zabaco is the other foreigner for the side and he will continue to provide leadership from the back to a team that has kept much of their successful core of the back-to-back Durand Cup victories intact.
North East United FC Squad –
Goalkeepers: Gurmeet Singh, Dipesh Chauhan, Arman Tamang
Defenders: Dinesh Singh, Míchel Zabaco (foreigner), Tondonba Singh, Buanthanglun Samte, Asheer Akhtar, Robin Yadav, Redeem Tlang
Midfielders: Mayakkannan Muthu, Fredy Chawngthansanga, Louis Nickson, Bekey Oram, Jairo Samperio (foreigner), Andy Rodriguez (foreigner), Mohammed Arshaf, Danny Meitei
Forwards: Jithin M.S, Ankith Padmanabhan, Thoi Singh, Parthib Gogoi, Lalbiakdika, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia
Head Coach: Juan Pedro Benali.
