As we all know Datuk K Rajagobal (DKRG) national team set up is build around younger generations of footballer. Players that used to play under him since the under 17 & 19 team, or players that emerged from local league with less experience, or players coming through the Harimau muda's rank and maybe talented young players from the lesser side in the lesser league.
However, as a local football supporter, i noticed that some experienced footballer out there still have a lot to offer, especially for our beloved Harimau Malaya. Being left out, or ignored by DKRG for few years since his success in Laos SEA games, i believe the veterans have the quality needed in the squad and bring more stability in the dressing room. Experienced players who can make the difference in any tight and close games, experienced players who can offer composure on the pitch when the football match intensity is getting higher and more stressfull and perhaps an older players who can be looked upon by the younger one for advices.
My personal wish is that DKRG will call up few veterans and to include them in the upcoming AFF cup squad this year. I have come out with top experienced footballers in the country and lets see the following list of my suggestion.
5. Norfarhan Muhamad, 28 years old (Kelantan) - The Terengganu born forward is core of the successfull Kelantan side this year after helping the red warriors winning the FA cup and Super League tittle. Very quick feet, able to beat defenders in one to one situation, can play in both flanks and a very good goal instinct as well. Long ignored by the national team, as far as i remember, his last appearance with the harimau was in the Asian games in Doha. (if not mistaken). His presence in the squad could give DKRG more options in attack.
4. Akmal Rizal, 31 years old (Perak) - One of the few Malaysian who has tasted european football in their career, Akmal Rizal can be best regarded as great profesionals with great inteligence in his game. Known for his goal poaching instinct, the Kedah born striker, when fully fit, is the player any coach could rely on to get a goal on regular basis. Physically better this season, he played regularly for the Perak side that finished fourth in the league. I could say that Akmal can fit into DKRG style of play if his service required by the national team boss.
3. Indra Putra Mahyuddin, 31 years old (Kelantan) - Adored by fans for any team that he played for, Indra is regarded as one of the most consistent and successfull player in his generation. Still looked fit, always burning with hungry for success, Indra still can pose great danger to any team with his penetrative run and long distance effort. Technically good as a free kick taker, as shown in this year's AFC cup clash against vietnam's Navibank, DKRG should consider him a return to the national team. Indra is good enough to fight for that right wing spot.
2. Shukor Adan, 33 years old (Negeri Sembilan) - Played as midfielder during early days of his career but nowadays can be shifted into a centreback, the fiery general can be considered as Malaysia's 'Roy Keane'. Great leadership quality, full of energy, great physical stature/attributes, very good in organizing the team and of course he is very vocal on the pitch. Recently picked by Ong Kim Swee to play for Malaysia selection against Indonesia U-22 in a friendly, Shukor again showed his class at international level with fantastic performance. His flexibility to play as a defensive midfielder or a centre back could give DKRG a food for thought. When your side is leading 1-0 and the game have 10 minutes to play for, you might want to strengthen your defence especialy the opponent raise their game searching for an equaliser. An old head could provide extra calm in the final phase of the game. I suggest Shukor Adan as a back up for Aidil-Subra partnership.
1. Badri Radzi, 30 years old (Kelantan) - He is the catalyst of the current Malaysian Champions. DKRG seems reluctant to call him up, or even to try him in a friendly. Captain in nature, well known for his 'defence splitting pass', Badri or PIYA is a very talented footballer. I am not so sure whether he has got his first senior cap for Malaysia or not, but having Badri in the squad could add quality, in term of healthy rivalry with another playmaker, Safiq Rahim. I thought that Badri and Safiq cannot play together in the same team, if we remain with 4-4-2. We need balance in the midle of the pitch, so DKRG could only start with one attacking midfielder. The least i could suggest is that, Badri can be an ideal replacement should Safiq out with injury or get suspended.
We need to sent our best squad for this coming AFF cup, which is we will be the host nation. Anything less than retaining the cup would be a failure. Eventhough we have a lot of good young players coming through the ranks, but we also need balance in the squad. These talented veterans could give the much needed solutions for the national team.
No comments:
Post a Comment