Guwahati: The Indian Super League (ISL) continues to be a breeding ground for young talents from across India, and while every team has its stars, a few stand out for their sheer skill and promise.
NorthEast United FC’s Parthib Gogoi is one such talent, who is known for his flair, dazzling ball control and powerful long-range shots, thus quickly becoming a fan-favourite of the Highlanders last season.
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The 21-year-old forward scored five goals and provided four assists in ISL 2023-24, and played a pivotal role in NEUFC’s Durand Cup 2024 triumph, where he netted during the penalty shootout in the final against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, securing the first silverware in the club’s history.
After his brace against Jamshedpur FC on Saturday in Guwahati, Parthib has now become the third-highest scorer for NEUFC in ISL netting 10 goals, with only Bartholomew Ogbeche and Deshorn Brown (12 goals each) having netted more for the Highlanders in the league.
Parthib’s early rise is supported by the fact that the forward has scored the most goals by any player in ISL before turning 22.
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SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR PARTHIB:
Parthib’s journey from watching the Highlanders from the stands of the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati to becoming a key player for the team is nothing less than overwhelming.
“Parthib is a young guy, who has gotten a chance and he is very good. He needs to go forward, because the sky’s the limit for him. He needs to work harder every single day. I tell you, if he continues working hard, he will become the future Sunil Chhetri of India,” NEUFC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said.
Parthib, who has signed a contract extension with NEUFC until 2027, shares a deep connection with the club.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Every time I step on the field, it gives me goosebumps. I will never forget my first professional goal in the ISL against Mumbai City FC.”
“From there to my first senior hat-trick against Shillong Lajong, scoring these goals here has been a privilege. This club feels like home. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” he added.
THE NEUFC PHILOSOPHY IS VERY CLEAR:
Benali also touched upon NEUFC’s broader philosophy of scouting and nurturing local talents from the eight states of the Northeast.
In a significant step this season, the Highlanders will also be playing a portion of their home matches in Meghalaya’s Shillong which will be a first for the club.
“The philosophy of NEUFC is absolutely clear, that is, to go over and look for talent in each state. The staff and the management have done a lot of scouting and we have gotten a lot of talent,” Benali said.
“John Abraham and CEO Mandar Tamhane have a clear idea of getting those players, and the club tends to benefit from the same,” he added.
NEUFC have won and drawn twice each in their six matches so far. With eight points, they are at the fifth spot in the standings.
The Highlanders will return to action against Odisha FC on November 3 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.