NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has signed Columbian centre-back, Janeiler Rivas Palacios, as a free agent for the remainder of the ISL 2018/19 season.
This was announced by NEUFC on Monday in its official website.
Janeiler Rivas Palacios was born in Quibdó, Chocó on May 18, 1988.
He previously played for Millonarios FC in Colombia.
Janeiler Rivas Palacios has provided solidity to the backline for his previous clubs like CA Cerro, Boyacá Chicó, Atlético Huila, Alianza Atl and Millonarios before joining us at the crucial end of the season to reinforce our title charge.
In his last season with Millonarios FC, Janeiler aided the club to a record 15th title in the First Division of Colombia, the Categoría Primera A.
Rivas is a ball-playing defender blessed with both technique and composure in abundance.
The 30-year-old Colombian centre-back is known to build attacks from the backline and is also adept at more traditional aspects of the job such as winning headers and making interceptions, the NEUFC stated.
Standing tall at 6′ 6″, the Colombian centre-back presents a commanding, well-built figure who’s difficult to get the better of either in the air or in a foot race.
Fondly called ‘Chiquito’, Janeiler Rivas Palacios is rarely outmanoeuvred by opposition strikers.
Most impressive, though, is his ability with the ball and the ability to keep his cool in possession, the NEUFC further stated.
Welcoming ‘Chiquito’ Rivas to the Highlanders family, the NEUFC stated that he will replace injured Croatian centre-back, Mislav Komorski, to partner the defensive duties with Mato Grgic to fight for the title glory for the 2018/19 season.