Safee Sali is a changed player since joining Indonesian Super League outfit, Pelita jaya. The forward, who etched his name in the hearts of Malaysians after the AFF Suzuki Cup proved to be a hit among the fans.
Safee who first entered into the football scene at the age of 19, is becoming a wanted commodity among Clubs in South East Asia. Having recently signed with struggling Indonesian side, Pelita Jaya, he made sure that he means business by helping the club to come out from the relegation zone.
Recently, he announced on Astro Arena (a channel dedicated to the Malaysian sports scene) that he was enquired by Bundesliga Clubs. The announcement certainly made heads turn and with the Nation behind his shoulders, the lad would surely accept any offers in Europe
In 2003, when he was spotted by Igor Novak, former Kuala Lumpur coach, he proved himself to be a sensation by scoring 11 goals becomes the second top local goalscorer behind former Selangor and Penang legend, Azman Adnan.
His reputation started to grow when he plied his trade with Borneo giants, Sarawak. His performances attracted the fans and the national coach. His finishing ability was compared to the late Mokhtar Dahari. At the end of the season, he scored a total of 19 goals in all competition, making him the top scorer for Sarawak at the 2005/06 season.
Then came his dream move, when he joined Selangor in 2006. Being labeled as the next ‘Mokhtar Dahari’, he was a fan favourite and started to become a National Team regular every season.
Then came the Suzuki Cup in 2010 and that’s where he started to become one of the most feared strikers in the South East Asia Region. Topscoring with 5 goals, clubs in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand vied for him but he was contracted with Selangor.
2011, he was the first Malaysian player to play in the Indonesian league. Many thought that he would not prevail at Indonesia and but he proved them wrong. He is now the talk of the town and some Indonesians have stated that he deserves more than the salary than he recives.
Today, he just raised his reputation and his 2 goals against Liverpool have shocked many people. Steve Clarke, Liverpool’s first team coach said that he was the game changer and Malaysia is lucky to have a player like him.
In the 2014 2nd round World Cup Qualifiers, he impressed in both the legs but It wasn’t enough to beat their rivals, Singapore.
Teams are beginning to take notice of him, as the 27 year old from Kuala Lumpur is beginning to stamp his authority and prove his worth in the ASEAN region.
We might have lost to Liverpool and Singapore but Malaysia can take heart from the performances of Safee Sali. Those days, whenever the names are mentioned, people would be like ‘Who are they?’, ‘Is he that good?’ Now these questions have been answered as football enthusiast are following their progress.
Safee’s performance against was reminiscent of Mokhtar Dahari days. He wasn’t fearful against established oppositions and Safee Sali tormented Liverpool’s central defenders, Sotorios Krygriakos and Martin Kelly.
Since coming back from Persija, Safee;s individual skills have developed and his confidence has been at an all time high. The stint with them is beginning to reap rewards and many Malaysian players are expected to join them to further develop their careers.
Benny, a fan from Indonesia stated that Safee is a class above the rest and he will soon be playing in a much better league.
Some have stated that he merits a place in the Japanese, Korean or Chinese League as his performance against Liverpool was phenomenal. Being able to beat European defenders and placing his shots with such accuracy, the man is at his prime and he is bound to get better.
Safee is surely our country best hope to bring us out from the doldrums. Having helped Malaysia achieved the status as the top South East Asia team, it is about time, we gun for the Asian spot and Safee is the man to bring us there.
Avinesh's verdict: Get him you Bundesliga folks!!! Would be a Bargain!! he will be the older version of KAGAWA!! hehehehe
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