My LionsXII First XI
COMMENT
With the hotly anticipated season-opener against Kelantan around the corner, Lions XII coach V Sundramoorthy must surely be pondering his starting XI for the Jan 10 season opener at Jalan Besar.
It will not be an easy task for Sundram.
First, it's against the defending League champions Kelantan.
Second, the Lions XII squad was only announced on 5th December which left Sundram slightly over a month to get some training sessions under their belt. Furthermore, he has had to grapple with injuries and players missing training due to National Service.
With only four proper friendly matches to assess his squad of players, it is fortunate that given his experience with the Young Lions previously, Sundram has a good knowledge of the abilities of the crop of the players at hand.
Unlike coach Sundram, I have embarked on a slightly easier task. Barring injuries and unavailability, allow me to select my First XI for LionsXII this upcoming season.
Formation: 4-5-1
Goalkeeper: Izwan Mahbud
There should be little surprise in this department. Izwan has risen steadily through the ranks and he should be make the No.1 shirt his own if he can keep up with his consistent showings throughout 2011. With injuries to Hassan Sunny and the retirement of Lionel Lewis, Izwan should also be first-choice goalkeeper for the national team — his exposure here in the Malaysia Super League will no doubt be a big plus.
Left-Back: Shaiful Esah
Much like Izwan, Shaiful should be the in the starting eleven as long as he is fit. The national team left-back has a sweet left foot and is always a threat with set-pieces. He scored during the pre-season friendly against ATM FA with one of his trademark free-kicks and we should expect at least a couple of goals and assists from the ex-Warrior.
Right-Back: Irwan Shah
The right-back spot is one of the most hotly contested positions in the team. The more experienced Juma'at Jantan can also play at right-back, but I favour young Irwan in this slot. Irwan enjoyed a good SEA Games tournament and has the pace to match opposition wingers.
Centre-backs: Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin
There may be some controversy in my selection here. Most will know Hariss as a midfielder — his regular position since the start of his career. He has, however, played in defence before and excelled in the role.
If paired with Safuwan, the LionsXII will have center-back pairing of two very intelligent ball players. While they may not have the biggest physiques, the pair should have enough between themselves to keep strikers at bay. I always feel a solid team is built from the back and this pair will no doubt provide much-needed stability and leadership.
Defensive Midfielder: Isa Halim
Isa impressed me with his tireless running and determination over the matches he played for the national team last year. As a holding midfielder, he provides good cover for the backline and can shine in the role similar to what Lucas Leiva has done so well for Liverpool over the past year or so.
Midfielders: Shahril Ishak and Shahdan Sulaiman
Captain Shahril Ishak is the most experienced player of the team and should make the first XI on a regular basis. He does appear to be overawed sometimes at international level, but the diminutive midfielder has thrived when playing for Home United and during his short stint in Indonesia. He also featured prominently for the team throughout the pre-season and looks set to lead Lions XII out against Kelantan.
Shahdan was a key player in the SEA Games squad and was highly rated during his time with Tampines Rovers. Often deployed as a second striker, he should have the ability to open up opposition defences in the Malaysian Super League.
Much of the creativity and playmaking of the team will rest on this duo. We should also expect both Shahril and Shahdan to be on the score sheet from time to time.
Left-Midfield: Gabriel Quak
Gabriel may not be your typical winger with the flair and cutting-edge going forward, but he is hardworking and always a willing runner. Should he start on the left-wing, he will be the perfect compliment for Shaiful Esah. Gabriel has operated at left-back before with Courts Young Lions and can provide the cover needed should Shaiful venture forward.
Right-Midfield: Khairul Amri
The right midfield slot is another contested spot in the team. The young Yasir Yanapi enjoyed a good outing in the SEA Games operating on this flank, but if fully fit, Khairul Amri should provide more creativity. The ex-Tampines Rovers player is a tricky customer and has the pace to beat players, so it is critical that he regains full fitness after his horrible spell with injuries over the past year.
Striker: Khairul Nizam
Agu Casmir is the most experienced striker in the LionsXII squad but I will favour the young Khairul Nizam over him anytime. At 21, Nizam is not the most experienced, but every time he plays, he has displayed the hunger and desire that drives the rest of the team on.
Somewhat prematurely touted as the next Fandi Ahmad a few years ago, Nizam is a very different kind of striker — the kind that will make their presence felt in the opposition box. While not the tallest, Nizam is strong and good in the air. Given the opportunity, he has a good chance of grabbing the goals for LionsXII.
Damon Yeo was a barely a teenager when Singapore won the double in Malaysia back in 1994 but has not stopped supporting the national team and the S-League since.
