With Safiq Rahim, Wan Zack Wan Haikal, Irfan Fazail and Mohd Fadhli Shas already snapped by European teams(Safiq is on trials with Cardiff), I've compiled a list of Malaysian players who can test themselves in Europe.
Though losing against Singapore in the world cup qualifiers but there were several individuals who stood out and since then rumors have been escalating about the possibility of seeing our players playing in Europe.
Safee Sali, who set the benchmark by moving to the Indonesian Super League has been a revelation there. Stanley Bernard, is another player who has impressed in India.
With such demand for our players, even European clubs are interested in our players. With Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City being owned by Malaysians, things are looking bright for Malaysian football.
Here are the list of players that would be able to penetrate into the European league:
Safee Sali, 27 (Pelita Jaya, Indonesian Super League)
His 5 goals in the AFF Suzuki Cup helped Malaysia to nail the cup for the first time. Together, with a young set of players, the then 26 year old led the team with gusto and his goals brought joy to Malaysians.
His impressive performance in the tournament, made him a wanted commodity and clubs from the ISL were craving for his services. Relegation threatened Pelita Jaya, managed to sign the lad and his 7 goals were enough to keep the team safe from relegation.
Then came his performance against Liverpool and Singapore, rumours started to escalate as teams from Bundesliga were eyeing for his services. The player himself admitted that he has been enquired by clubs from Germany.
With such highlight on him, the much improved player looks ready for Europe and though he is already 27, he still has time on his side. He might not be eyed by giants like Schalke o4 or Bayern Munich, but clubs like Mainz 05, Hertha Berlin and SC Freiburg could snap this player from the hands of Pelita Jaya.
Safiq Rahim, 24 (Selangor, Malaysian Super League)
At 24, he i such a livewire and his presence in the national squad has been inspirational. Being the skipper in the AFF Suzuki Cup, his playmaking skills have been lauded by many football enthusiast.
His determination and inspirational plays during the final game against Indonesia was appreciated and it helped the team to nail the AFF Suzuki Cup. Since then, he has been linked with Persib Bandung and Persipura Jakarta as the playmaker was set on moving on.
His goal against Liverpool was the turning point of his career and many teams around Asia have cast a great eye on this young lad.
Thanks to his great performances with the National team and club, Selangor, the 24 year old from Seremban has just accepted a trial offer with Cardiff City. Having accepted the offer, the lad has pledged to impress and many have said that he is able to impress Bluebirds coach,Malky Mackay.
The midfielder is able to play in any European country, cause his style of play suits the surroundings of any European league. He may be short in stature but he makes up with his sheer determination and the ability to unlock defences with his passes.
S.Kunalan, 25 (Negeri Sembilan, Malaysian Super League)
His style of play which is similar to Malaysian Footballing legend, Hassan Sani, has impressed in recent games. Being part of the victorious AFF Suzuki Cup squad, the left winger from Semenyih is a mainstay with the national squad and his club side, Negeri Sembilan.
His value started to increease when he impressed himself against teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. His pace and trickery was enough to cause problems for Carl Jenkinson and Jack Robinson. Both players who are bigger in nature were bamboozled by his pace and his tiny frame can easily beat defenders.
Having been playing in the Malaysian League for the past 4 years, the 25 should try his luck in Europe. Based on his performance, he has the potential to play in Europe unless he improves on his finishing and final ball.
If he gets the chance to play in Europe, his frailties will be a distant past and he will be a hot commodity. Malaysia will surely rely on his playing style and if he gets the chance to play there, he will be a much better player.
He maybe suited for the Belgian League or Dutch League, as they thrive on fast and pacy players. Being able to rub shoulders with Jeremain Lens, Ottman Bakkal, Steven Defour and Maarten Martens would be a prospect he shouldn't miss.
Norsharul Idlan Talaha, 25 (Kelantan, Malaysian Super League)
Coming from one of the most well supported teams in Malaysia, the 25 year creative forward, who has been Safee's best partner has impressed in the Malaysian Super League and for the national team.
The AFF Suzuki Cup was where his stock rised and as usual rumours claimed that the lad from Besut, Terengganu was being fished by teams from the Indonesian Super League.
However he remained with 2010 Malaysia Cup champions, Kelantan and he was one of the bright sparks in the league. Though losing the Golden boot to Terengganu's, Abdul Hadi Yahya, he was one of the best players in the league.
His ability to beat players and create a chance out of nothing has impressed K. Rajagopal. His trickery and finishing has improved since he quit UPB My Team. His may be stout but his physique is impressive and he is able to beat any defenders with his size and legs.
He would thrive in any clubs in Europe and even if he plays for any division side, he will impress. His fighting spirit has also been brought into perspective and to excel in an european league, you need that!
He would impress in countries like England, Scotland, Germany, Belgium or Netherlands. A product of Bukit Jalil Sports School, it is rumoured that he has been scouted by lower league English clubs, and if he is offered the chance to play there, he should take it!
S.Subramaniam, 26 ( Kelantan, Malaysian Super League)
He may not be a National team regular but he is fan favourite among Kelantanese and most recently, Malaysians. There was even a campaign for him to be included into the national squad but it proved to no avail.
The lad who started with Perak, has improved a lot since his heady days in the beginning. He has grown as a player and his performance against Chelsea was just world class. His superb performance saw him getting the armband from seasoned veteran, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah when the 30 year old was substituted.
Being able to silence Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres is a great feat and he saved the National select several times during the game. His performance in that game merited him a place in the national squad but coach Rajagopal had other plans.
He has also impressed with Kelantan, where he and Farisham Ismail have led the defence with gusto and many teams fear facing this two.
If he continues such performance, soon he will see himself being targeted by foreign clubs and his style of play, he may just be able to nick a place in any European league.
He may thrive in Eastern Europe as youngsters like Wan Zack, Fadhli and Irfan are living the dream there. For a central defender, he is just at the right age to perform in any league. It is also hopeful that the 26 year old will be selected regularly by K. Rajagopal.
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