As the 11th incarnation of the Malaysian Super League kicks off this weekend, it promises to be the most exciting one yet. A generation of players who have grown up together in the national team and its junior squads now stand on the threshold of entering their peak years.
Safiq Rahim (26 years old), Aidil Zafuan (26), and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha can cement their individual statuses in the annals of Malaysian football history with good performances this season, after what doubtlessly can be regarded as disappointing outings last time out. And these three are just examples of players who have grown up in a well-developed system for which the Bukit Jalil Sport School deserves all the credit.
Yet another waning star who desperately needs a strong season is Safee Sali. Scoring only two goals last season surely has had a negative impact on Safee's confidence.
With the addition of attacking options at the star-studded Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) side in the form of Argentinean playmaker Pablo Aimar and target man Luciano Figueroa, Safee will need to improve his performances if he is to cement a spot in the starting line-up, let alone consistently lead the line for JDT.
These experienced internationals have to now take their game to the next level, both for club and country. They need to prove they can stand tall in the midst of foreigners taking up the crucial positions in a team.
The same goes to the graduates from the various Harimau teams. Go and prove your worth, as league form will indicate as to how high our National team can aspire as a whole.
Personally, I am excited about my home state team, JDT with Pablo Aimar the focus, obviously!
Say what you like, the best and biggest clubs in the world attract the best players, and this is a natural transition in football.
From a "footballing" point of view, my young prince, TMJ is indirectly taking responsibility by attempting to take our country to new heights through the commercial and sporting aspects of football.
By amassing a squad consisting of unquestionable quality in every position, it is clear that the targets set over the next few seasons are not limited to local success.
When there is a group of national players fighting for spots in the starting 11 (which includes two individuals who were essential to the title-winning Lions XII squad last season), the hunger and desire to succeed has to increase, or these individuals risk being left behind. Nobody likes to warm the bench, especially so when you are an established international.
The 3+1 rule only makes it more exciting. The locals have to raise their game now and not whinge about a lack of opportunities and the like.
I believe that a situation like this would drive the locals to work harder and improve their football, or simply move to other teams. The competition for places will separate the wheat from the chaff… I just wish we are not helping other Asean nations to improve!
To build the profile of a team and our nation as a whole, we should aspire to bring in high profile players and Pablo Aimar is a prime example.
There is no doubting the contributions of the likes of Obinna Nwaneri and Damion Stewart, but Aimar's presence will not only inspire more column inches globally, but his seemingly effortless style of play is far more likely to inspire youngsters in Malaysia to pursue a career in football.
For all their merit, Nwaneri and Stewart depend much on their physical prowess to dominate opposition in Malaysia, and I hope Aimar's passing and dribbling skills inspire the youth to hone their technical abilities more than merely spending hours in the gym with the intention of out-muscling opposition.
No matter what level of competitive football you participate in, there will always be individuals who are simply stronger and more powerful than you; honing your technique is what will consistently allow individuals of any stature to compete at any level of the game.
I will keep an eye on Pablo Aimar, not so much for his ability but more so on how our national players react to a true superstar as a teammate!
A player of his quality should have an Ozil-esque effect on his team-mates, ideally raising the performances of the entire squad as a whole. I will lookout for Bruno Martelotto too as he is another classy "No. 10" who inspires.
Finally, as the first match of the season, the Charity Shield, played last night in Kuantan also counted as the opening league match for the two champions last season – Pahang (Malaysia Cup winners) and Lions XII (Malaysian Super League) – congratulations go out to the East Coast boys for coming out on top, but only narrowly, with a 1-0 win. – January 18, 2014.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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