Malaysia has rocked so far.Storming through the preliminaries by scoring 14 goals and conceding none. So here’s what I have to say about the team so far:
The Coach: B. Sathianathan (A-) Natinal Coach: B. Sathianathan
Has masterminded the vast improvement of the national squad. We’ve never scored this much and conceded none. Therefore, this is a relevant empirical measurement to assess the improvement of the national squad. The national squad has a lot to thank him. Got his tactics spot on for the three preliminary games. But I still question the inclusion of Nizaruddin in the team. Pick someone else Sathia!!
Goalkeeping Department: (B) Malaysian Goalkeeper.Helmi Eliza
Helmi Eliza didn’t have a lot to do (yet). But he was up to the challenge when needed. A sign of a good goalkeeper who kept his concentration when tested occasionally. His deputy, Syed Adney, showed his worth yesterday. This means, no worries if Helmi is out injured.
Defence Department: (A) Aidil Zafuan
For the time being, they are fantastic! The partnership of Norhafiz Zamani and Aidil Zafuan at the heart of the Malaysian defence has really done wonders. Always calm and comfortable with the ball. They showed intelligent defending and occasionally provided the pass which resulted in goals. For the fullbacks, both Irwan Fadli Idrus and Daud Su has done a satisfying job, bombing forward whenever possible and creating chances. But i do prefer Subramaniam to start at Daud Su’s place as he provides a more physical approach which Daud Su is lacking. Daud Su can be used as a tactical substitute, coming in to change the pace of the game. Positioning wise, Daud Su still has to improve as while fantastic in going forward, he sometimes exposed Malaysia to attacks by not coming back in time. It may be fine as the opponents so far are not intelligent enough to capitalize on that occasional positional error, but this small matter could prove vital when we locked horns with teams that have more quality in terms on intelligence. My vote to Subramaniam to take Daud Su’s place. But if the coach decide that Daud Su is to start there, I have no problem with that as a great man one said,”offence is the best defence.”
Midfield Department: (B+) Hardi Jaafar
Has been effective and efficient so far. Shukor Adan proves that he is a ball winner and a provider as well, therefore, worth the armband he is wearing. With Hardi Jaafar back fit, he should slot in Hairuddin’s place and this will give Malaysia extra attacking edge. Showed his value when he comes in as a substitute during Malaysia vs Sierra Leone game where he starts the ball rolling for Malaysia. He can dribble,provide and score. What impress the most me is the in-form Indra Putra and Amirul Hadi who in the absence of Hardi, provides the creative spark. But in football, a great team must attack with dynamism. Only attacking through the flanks are only effective against mediocre teams. To win against tough teams, a lot of variation in attacks is needed. For that, Hardi is our man!
Striking Department: (A+) Safee Sali
Both of our strikers, Safee Sali and Zaquan Adha are fighters. Its soothing to the eye to see such determination from both players on the field. They come deep for the ball, always running, scoring and creating chances at the same time. They should have scored more provided that they did not have to come deep for the ball. With the return of Hardi, they should be able to stay up front longer and score more goals. It is not a surprise to see Malaysia scoring lots of goal with both of our front man working so hard. Keep up the good work. As for Safee, show us more stunners!!
Squad Depth: (B) Ashaari Shamsudin
Sathia fielded second stringers in the Malaysia vs Afghanistan game. By winning 6- 0 against Afghanistan, our national side showed that they have qualities on the bench. Players like Khyiril M. and Ashaari Shamsudin allowed the coach to change the pace of the game when needed. Khaironisam and Asrarudin give the coach option in defence and both proved that they are equally adept with the regular starters in the game against Afghanistan yesterday. My only worries is the existence of mediocre players on the bench, Nizarudding Yusof and Azi Shahril. Of course Nizaruddin scored against Afghanistan, but that goal was a sitter. The determinaton he showed is nothing near to what the others players are displaying and he lacks of concentration and anticipation of the game. Same goes to Azi Shahril who keep losing the ball in the same match. As for Subra, though I am a proponent for him playing in the starting eleven, he can still comes good as substitute.
Overall (B+)
This squad may mark the start of a new era of Malaysian football. If compared to the Asian Cup squad, this squad is vastly better. Still, we have a lot more to improve especially in maintaining possession. We have played some good football and this is a young squad. We have a great future in front of us and if the young players continue to progress at a steady rate, the rest of the nation can begin to hope for the return of our old glory days. For the time being, they must keep their heads down. Be humble and continue to work hard. As for the fans,c’mon! Show your support by coming to the stadium.
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