Brazilian attacker Marcelinho Leite Pereira has completed his move to NorthEast United FC. He joins Khalid Jamil’s side on loan and will don the Highlanders’ colors for the remainder of the season.
In 2016, Mercelinho made his introduction with Delhi Dynamos FC in the ISL. Making an instant impact, he was the top scorer that campaign and recorded the most goal contributions (15). The following season, he signed for Pune City FC. The winger continued his rich form and was the top assister FC Pune City, notching up 7. It was the Pune’s best as they made the semis.
Next up, he bagged 6 goals and assisted a further 4 for the Stallions. Marcelinho proved to be pivotal for the Nizams after joining them in 2019-20. After that, he donned Odisha FC colors for the 2020-21 season. Playing 9 games for Odisha FC (2020-21), ATK Mohun Bagan took him on loan in the January transfer window. However, with the Mariners, he narrowly fell short in the finals.
Marcelinho – The key to NorthEast United’s troubles?
Khalid Jamil’s men are in an appalling state at present in the ISL. Jamil is facing massive pressure as the Highlanders sit in 10th in the table, just above SC East Bengal.
Despite drawing 3-3 against defending champions Mumbai City FC, they have been struck with inconsistency this term. With a number of player sidelined, maintaining cohesion in the squad has been an uphill task.
Signing Marcelinho could be a huge plus for the Highlanders. The Brazilian attacker is well-versed with the ISL. The squad might receive a major morale boost with his addition to the lineup. Another positive is that Marcelinho’s experience could rub off favorably on the youngsters.
An injury has set Gallego out. Khassa Camara was picked for the Mauritania national team and will play in the Africa Cup of Nations. In the meantime, Mathias Coureur is currently unhappy at the club. With all these issues, they are majorly missing creativity in attack.
After looking far and wide, they have chosen to go with one of ISL’s top talents, Mercelinho Leite Pereira. The Highlanders might just be able to salvage their season if Marcelinho can link up quickly with their forward line.
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