FOREIGN ASSETS: NEUFC's smart recruitment has made them a credible force in every department

NORTHEAST UNITED GOT OFF to a terrible start when their originally appointed head coach for the ISL 2016 campaign, Sergio Farias, took off for Thailand even before the pre-season began. But they recovered quickly, rung in an experienced gaffer in Nelo Vingada, and now they're making headlines for selling tickets exceptionally fast.

Off the field, there's little doubt that the Guwahati-based franchise has one of the most solid presence in the tournament, rivaled only by Kerala Blasters and FC Goa. But on the field they've been falling short, failing to make it into the semi-finals in the first two editions of ISL. But this time, all their efforts have been focused on putting together a team for a semi-final qualification, and with the NEUFC management working with Farias at first to sign players and later Vingada chiming in with a few choices of his own, the results have been interesting.

One look at their foreign recruits tells you where the focus is: there's a Latin American flavour to them, and most of the important overseas players in the squad have had significant success either for their national team or on Indian soil. And NEUFC have picked up proven talents not only from other ISL teams to add to their sure-fire arsenal, but also made some significant loans from I-League clubs. Which makes the Highlanders' imports an interesting bunch. 

Here, let's take a closer look.