It's official: Katsumi Yusa will finally make his ISL debut at NEUFC
THE HEAVY DUTY Mohun Bagan midfielder Katsumi Yusa is all set to make his ISL debut this year wearing the colours of NorthEast United FC.
The Guwahati-based franchise has made their signing of the creative Japanese attacking medio official, bringing an end to weeks of speculation around the popular player's much awaited ISL debut.
The 27 year old, affectionately nicknamed 'The Fukushima Bomber' by Mohun Bagan fans, came to India in 2011 to ply his trade at ONGC. In the summer of 2013, he was signed by Bagan, beginning the best phase of his career. He joined the Mariners during one of the most difficult times in the club's history (the trauma of the Black Derby and the temporary suspension from I-League still fresh), and provided speed, stability and leadership as Bagan recovered from that point and went on to win the I-League and the Federation Cup.
Of the 3 seasons he has spent at Mohun Bagan, Katsumi has worn the captain's armband for the majority of two. Overall, he has played in 92 I-League games so far (60 in green-and-maroon, 101 career league appearances) and scored 25 goals. His on-field partnership with Sony Norde has been especially effective for Bagan.
In him, NEUFC have undoubtedly found a team player who can intelligently adapt to different strategies (he has played at the right wing, number 10 role and left wing in different games for Mohun Bagan) and has natural leadership qualities as well as a lot of creativity. If head coach Farias can use him well, Katsumi is likely to have a fruitful little spell with the Highlanders before he returns to the Mohun Bagan squad ahead of the I-League.
