The wait for the first ISL goal this season continued, as we got another stalemate during the match between NorthEast United FC and debutants Jamsehdpur FC. The game started with a bang, as NorthEast dominated the first quarter and then Jamshedpur FC balanced the tie. Each of the two teams got opportunities to score, but could not capitalise. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining 90-minutes of football, with a few special performances.
NorthEast United FC
Rehenesh 8: Not one of the busiest players on the field, but managed to avert the dangers which came during the match.
Marcinho 9: Arguably the most notable player of the game, he was at the peak of things. The left-footed Brazilian initiated most of the attacks for the 'Highlanders' and even got a chance to score from close range within the first 5 minutes, but unfortunately, the ball sailed over the bar. A 65th header from the midfielder hit the post and came back; indeed he was quite unlucky today.
Nirmal 7: A tough customer to deal with, Nirmal Chhetri kept the attack in check and provided the much-needed assistance to the central defenders.
Robert 8: Had a great game, was supporting the midfield and even stood tall in the defensive half. The hardworking footballer won the balls in 50-50 situations.
Seminlen 7: Played an instrumental part in keeping the flanks alive, he had a good start to the game, but faded away as the game progressed.
Danilo 8: Worked hard throughout the game, was close to scoring the first goal this season on the hour-mark but the shot missed the target by a whisker. A brilliant save from Subrata Pal denied him another scoring opportunity a few minutes later, but he proved that he can be a threat for the rest of the season.
Abdul Hakku 8: Definitely the best player of the game, Hakku caught the eye of everyone with his clinical defending.
Lalrindika 6: A promising player, he can do much better than he offered today. The Mizoram-born took a couple of long-range shots, but they did not cause any harm to Jamshedpur FC.
Adilson 6: Probably the unsung hero of the match, the Brazilian has the ability to hold the ball and distribute it to the forwards.
Jose Gonsalvez 5: The Portuguese did not draw much attention during the game but nevertheless he had a decent time on the pitch.
Odair Fortes 8: His partnership with Marcinho was the most attracting element in the goalless match. Still, early days, if the combination clicks, it’s going to be one of the deadliest attacking duos in ISL.
Substitutes
Halicharan Narzary 6: Made a positive impact on the game after he came on, putting in good crosses from the flanks.
Luis Paez N/A
Jamshedpur FC
Subrata Pal 8: Though the ball hit the woodwork once and Marcinho missed a sitter, yet you have to give credit to the veteran for performing consistently throughout the game.
Sameehg Doutie 8: The lifeline of Jamshedpur FC’s attack, Doutie was all over the field. The South African moved swiftly up and down the pitch and provided crosses at regular intervals.
Trindade 7: Probably got the maximum number of chances to score, but never made it look that he could score. Lack of confidence might have cost him in their opening game.
Anas 7: Rock solid at the back, the most expensive Indian defender showed why he is one of the best. Though it was not his best game, yet he did his work perfectly, just as the doctor ordered.
Mehtab 5: Apart from a few moments, Mehtab had a pretty quiet game. He enjoyed less of ball possession and never made an impact on the game.
Memo 5: Did not have a huge impact on the game, but gave the occasional aid to the midfielders to feed them the balls for a possible attack.
Souvik Chakrabarty 6: Usually plays as a midfielder, Souvik started as a side-back in the match. The West Bengal-born player did not disappoint as he did his job pretty well.
Souvik Ghosh 7: One of the most prominent side-backs in the country, Ghosh was kept busy on the sidelines and was the first choice player for taking the set-pieces. He will definitely be of great help to the debutant' in the remaining matches.
Tiri 8: Already a known face in the Indian Super League, Tiri lived up to his name once again. He was at the heart of the defence, making it hard for the opponents and never game a scope to let the ball pass through.
Azuka 7: Azuka was another architect in the attack, apart from Sameehg Doutie, creating chances. Considering it was Jamshedpur FC’s first game, the Nigerian International is going to be an asset for the ‘Men of Steel’ for the rest of the matches.
Jerry 5: Got a few balls and also looked positive. He would be looking to impress in the upcoming matches as he did not have a great game.
Substitutes
Andre Bikey 4: Got a red care right after coming on, but was a tab bit unlucky to get it, as replays showed that barely made contact with the opposition player.
Yumnam Raju N/A
Farukh Choudhary N/A