Road to ISL 2018-19 Playoffs - Eelco Schattorie makes history - 5 Things NorthEast United FC did right to make the Playoffs

#1 Top-notch scouting

The scouting work of the Highlanders have been top notch this season (Image Courtesy: ISL)

With most other sides wrapping up their transfer activity much before NorthEast United FC announced their first foreign signing, they attracted a plethora of derision from the Indian football followers and probably, deservedly so.

However, they have now made the naysayers eat humble pie.

Signing former NK Inter Zaprešić centre-back partners Mato Grgic and Mislav Komorski has proved a decision they could be proud of given their chemistry and the fact that they have conceded the fewest goals.

Bringing down Uruguayan midfielder Federico Gallego has made them dangerous in the attack.

Bartholomew Ogbeche has kept up his fine form from his Willem II days; he’s now on 12 goals, three short of league chart-topper and Goa striker Ferran Corominas.

Technical advisor Avram Grant, the manager and club’s officials deserve plaudits for doing intense scouting to find promising young players instead of bringing back former players like most other ISL clubs do.