Field Vision

NorthEast United FC have long been branded the perennial underachievers of the Indian Super League (ISL). This label frustrated owner John Abraham and the club’s loyal fan base. After a disastrous 2022-23 campaign, where the team secured just one win and finished bottom of the table, the management decided to implement sweeping changes. Mandar Tamhane was appointed as the CEO of the Highlanders, and Juan Pedro Benali was named head coach.

In his first season, Juan Pedro Benali frequently used the word “Sabr,” meaning patience, urging fans to remain steadfast as the team would deliver with time. Although the Highlanders narrowly missed the ISL playoffs last season, they set ambitious goals to rectify past mistakes and make their mark in the 2024-25 season.

Durand Cup Champions: The First Title for the Club

The 2024-25 season began on a triumphant note for the Highlanders as they clinched their first-ever senior-level trophy. NorthEast United FC defeated defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the Durand Cup final in Kolkata.

For Benali’s pack of wolves, the taste of victory was like blood after a long hunt. They were now poised to bite harder and conquer more. The Durand Cup campaign also showcased the attacking prowess of Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Guillermo Fernandez.

ISL 2024-25 Season: A Bittersweet Journey

NorthEast United FC kicked off the ISL 2024-25 season with a victory against Mohammedan SC but struggled to maintain momentum, failing to win their next four games. The Highlanders’ topsy-turvy ride continued as they grappled with inconsistency. Nevertheless, they secured a playoff spot, finishing fourth in the league table. Their campaign ended with a knockout loss to Jamshedpur FC in Shillong, their second home ground.

Let’s examine the key positives and negatives from this season.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie: The Godsent Angel for the Highlanders

Undoubtedly, the ISL’s best signing this season was Alaaeddine Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward finished as the league’s highest goalscorer and was awarded the Golden Ball. Ajaraie scored 23 goals in 24 ISL matches, finding the net against every opponent he faced.

His presence on the pitch and sublime finishing struck fear into opposing defenses. Additionally, he recorded seven assists, resulting in a direct goal contribution of 30 goals — an extraordinary feat by any standard.

NorthEast United’s strategy revolved around Ajaraie, leveraging fast counterattacks and his speed. Without his contributions, the Highlanders might have struggled to qualify for the playoffs.

One-Dimensional Tactics Hurt the Pack of Wolves

A pack of wolves is known for hunting with discipline and adaptability. While Benali’s Wolves played with discipline for much of the season, they struggled to adapt when their primary plan faltered. Opposing teams identified Ajaraie as NorthEast United’s main threat, and neutralizing him often stifled the team’s attack. Of the 46 goals NorthEast United scored, Ajaraie contributed to 30—accounting for 65% of the team’s total. When Ajaraie was contained, the Highlanders suffered significantly.

The lack of experienced Indian players, particularly in defense, made it challenging for NorthEast United to navigate tough situations. This overreliance on a single player highlighted that sustained success in a long tournament requires a more balanced approach.

The Future Looks Bright Under Benali’s Guidance

Although the season didn’t end as hoped, NorthEast United can take pride in winning the Durand Cup and finishing fourth in the ISL table. With Juan Pedro Benali leading the team next season and a solid core of Indian talent already in place, the future is promising.

By strengthening key positions and adding high-quality foreign players to complement Ajaraie, this pack of wolves could hunt down the ISL’s biggest prize.

With the team also adding a second home base in Shillong this season, with more games likely to be played in the Meghalaya capital, along with Guwahati, the team can boast of a robust Pan-Northeastern fan base.

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