I-League 2017: Rating the 10 teams so far this season

3. Neroca FC

Celebrations after scoring against Chennai City FC

We have often witnessed the rise of regional domination and uprising in I-League history. National Football League has previously glimpsed teams from Bengal, Punjab and Goa dominating in various eras. After last years fairytale I-League journey of Aizawl FC, who from nowhere wet on to clinch the title & became the first team from the North East to achieve such a feat, further teams from the similar region are making inroads in the I-league this year.

This year Neroca FC who qualified after winning the second division 2016-2017 championship.Neroca FC is the only club from Northeast India to reach the final of the coveted Durand Cup.

This year the team started with a loss to league leaders Minerva FC. Since then they managed to stall Mohun Bagan away at Salt Lake stadium. Felix Chidi has played an instrumental role upfront combining with Singham Subhas Singh in Neroca's uprise.

Gift Raikhan has perfectly blended local lads with experienced players like Gourmangi Singh, Sushil Singh and Naoba Singh. This team on their day can wreak havoc as they did against Kolkata outfit Mohun Bagan. They mean serious business and can replicate Aizawl's feat from the previous season.

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Key Players:- Aryn Williams, Felix Chidi, Akhlidnin Israilov.

Pros:-Sleek passing & pacy build up plays combined with breezy counter attacks. Strong performance in away matches against Mohun Bagan and Shillong Lojong FC.

Cons:- Lacks consistency and untested in pressure scenarios.

Rating: 7/10