ISL 2019-20 | Why NorthEast United bought these players
One could only feel saddened for the Highlanders after the enormous exodus they endured following one of their best ever ISL seasons. However, although slightly delayed, NEUFC have brought together a clutch of players who, despite having an uphill task, could do wonders with the talent they have.
Northeast is often called the pool for Indian footballers and the repeated failure of the franchise, majorly due to lack of financial strength, was frustrating until a certain Eelco Schattorie decided to manage them. The Dutchman did take them to great heights and, before leaving, has left a blueprint for the club to follow diligently to gain success in the long-term.
However, that task won’t be easy and handing over the reins to an unknown Robert Jarni has been frowned upon by many. But, the fact that has been even more frustrating is the stars deciding to leave the side despite a promising season. While only time can tell who will the gamble pan out, we try to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their foreign recruits.
Asamoah Gyan
NorthEast United made their fans wait long before unveiling the replacement of Bartholomew Ogbeche recently, but the Highlanders won’t mind given the sheer quality coming their way this time. Under Eelco Schattorie’s management, the club had a dream run in the league last season making all the way to the playoffs. And while replicating the same would be a difficult job, the NEUFC management has ensured that fans couldn’t complain about lack of trying.
Gyan, pretty much like his playing style, brings intent to any side he goes more than anything. And while NEUFC are without Schattorie and Federico Gallego to steer the ship, they would need an unparalleled force to compensate – something Gyan definitely in. Having been played in the likes of Ligue 1, Serie A, and English Premier League among others, Gyan is easily one of the biggest names in the tournament. A centre forward straight and straight, the African striker has pace, power and an envious stamina level that could unnerve any defense in the Indian Super League.
Martin Chaves
Definitely one of the more interesting signings of the ISL transfer season and at the face of uncertainty, it could be a make or break move. With Rowlin Borges leaving for Mumbai City FC, NEUFC’s spine has literally become non-existent and getting in a 21-year-old Slovakian international to replace him is nothing less than a gamble.
However, while everyone sees a lack of all three - experience, rigour, and Asian flavour - in Chaves’ playing style, Robert Jarni has seen a youngster who is ever willing to follow his pointers. Having already played one international game in such a young age, the Benfica B star brings with himself a vibrancy that can be spotted from anywhere in the stands. At 182 cm, Chaves is well equipped to get acquainted with the rough playing style of ISL fast and he tops the cake with his cherry of longs shots. The attacking midfielder, who can drift back from time to time, is also known for his perfect long shots.
Maximiliano Barreiro
Though NorthEast United FC have retained the likes of Panagiotis Triadis and Redeem Tlang to carry out the task in the wide attacking roles, Jarni has decided to get a backup. And going by the option that has chosen, it is an exceptionally good one. Maximiliano Barreiro brings tremendous agility in the attacking third, which has often ended in either an assist or a goal.
Primarily a centre-forward, Barreiro can play on either of the wings with equal ease. While he has been deployed in the central role for most of his career, where has scored a whopping 62 goals and providing 18 assists in 157 games, he has also managed three goals and one assist from the 11 times he has been asked to play on the flanks. Although Barreiro has mostly in the South American leagues of Argentina, Ecuador, and Mexico, there is hardly any doubt that he would be successful in India.
Kai Heerings
Apart from the brilliant front two last season the only other spark of genius that was seen in the NEUFC camp was at the back in Mato Grgic, and the management decided to let him leave as well with Mumbai City getting all the richer for that. Alongside compatriot Mislav Komorski, Grgic was the wall of NEUFC last season, which saw the team conceding just 18 goals (the least amongst all 10 clubs).
The lack of financial resources also meant that NEUFC had to go for a frugal and unknown option yet again at the back and Jarni has decided to settle for Kai Heerings for that role this season. The Dutch enforcer has been a veteran in Eredivisie where has played close to 85 matches and could fit into ISL perfectly with his disciplined defending. At 6ft 2, the central defender brings tremendous aerial strength to any side he plays for and at 29, he has the vigour to do what’s necessary rather than what’s safe.
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