NorthEast United FC has had a decent start to their ISL 2020:21 season as they are yet to be defeated. The Highlanders have won a solitary match whereas two of their games have ended in a draw. United had another draw as they kept FC Goa to 1-1 on Monday at Fatorda Stadium in Vasco.
Meanwhile, the team’s head coach Gerard Nus had handed over the captaincy reins to young Lalengmawia, which made the 20-year old youngest player to lead an ISL team in the history of the league. Lalengmawia did a fine job for the team and he was also awarded the Hero of the match award. Nus revealed that the youngster has his trust.
“It is amazing to have one of the most talented Indian players with us. He has been part of the U-19 national team for India and I am sure he will be in the first team sooner or later. Giving him the captaincy shows that he has my full trust,” Nus said in the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, FC Goa had topped the league table in the previous season and they were a stern test for NorthEast United. Nus added that he was satisfied with the performance of his players as they were able to keep FC Goa in check.
“I am satisfied with the work rate of my team. We wanted to win and we came here with that mentality. But at the same time, we knew that we were facing a team that topped the league table last season. It was a big test, and I am grateful with what I have seen from my players,” Nus said.
Furthermore, Nus gave chances to players like Provat Lakra, Idrissa Sylla and Britto PM and they all performed up to the expectations. The Spaniard was happy with the performance of full back Lakra and stated that it was a perfect team effort from his boys.
“It was not a risk at all because Lakra is a player with huge experience. I am happy with what I saw from him in the training sessions. This is one player I am lucky to have in the squad and that is why he played in the game. We saw some new players in action, which is very positive. It was not just 11 players who made the squad… I am pleased to see my players performing well,” Nus said.
NorthEast United is currently at the second place in the points table with five points. The Highlanders will next face SC East Bengal on 5th December at Tilak Maidan Stadium.
