FC Goa have signed former Kerala Blasters winger Nongdamba Naorem ahead of the 2021-22 ISL season.
From Manipur, Naorem in his formative years was part of the youth team setup at Minerva Punjab FC. Subsequently, he was selected to be part of the U-17 squad which played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Delhi in 2017. He made three appearances in the tournament.
After the FIFA U-17 WC, Nongdamba joined AIFF developmental side Indian Arrows and made his I-League debut against Chennai City FC in November of 2017. In 2018, ISL side Kerala Blasters came calling and the young winger signed a three-year contract with the club.
In the 2018-19 season, Naorem was loaned out to Minerva Punjab in the I-League for the first half of the season. Early in January 2019, he went back to KBFC and represented the reserves team in the 2nd Division League.
The following season, the predominantly left winger joined Mohun Bagan AC and won the 2019-20 I-League title with the club. He contributed with two goals and five assists during their campaign. Last year, the now 21-year-old winger returned to Kerala Blasters and made three appearances in the 2020-21 ISL competition.
Nongdamba is fondly remembered for ‘that’ goal in his debut season in the I-League when he dribbled past a bunch of Shillong Lajong defenders and scored.
Analyst’s Take
Naorem has been one of the brightest talents in the country for a while now. He primarily operates as a left-winger.
Unlike conventional wingers, Nongdamba prefers to come deeper, often into the half space and create play.
His technique and understanding of the game are great for his age, and under Ferrando he could go a long way.
Shlok
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