Akram passes the test

Stats don

PETALING JAYA: The stats don’t lie – and for national midfielder Akram Mahinan, that’s all that matters.

Akram has been the target of criticism from local football fans for his perceived lack of creativity in Malaysia’s engine room in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

However, the statistics show that Akram is the top passer among the players of all 10 teams during the group stage of the tournament.

It was recorded that the 25-year-old Akram attempted 309 passes and completed 254 in four games – bringing his success rate to a remarkable 82% and making about 82 passes every 90 minutes.

“The criticisms were harsh and affected me a bit but I didn’t dwell on them. I was just focused on doing my job with the team,” said Akram yesterday. “So, to see my performance being recognised and the statistics proving my contribution is definitely a massive boost for me to play even better.”

Malaysia take on heavyweights Thailand in the first leg of the semi-final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Akram said while Thailand’s leading scorer Adisak Kraisorn is getting all the plaudits after their unbeaten run to the semi-finals, the real masterminds are their midfielders Sanrawat Dechmitr, Thitipan Puangchan and Tanaboon Kesarat.

He added that the midfield battle will be the decider on which team will emerge victorious in the semi-final clash.

“Adisak may look like their star with nine goals but I think Thailand’s midfielders are the key to their strong run in the group stage,” said Akram.

“The Thai midfielders are the ones who start their attacking moves. I think Sanrawat is their most dangerous player actually, because of his passes to Adisak and his vision.”

“But I think our midfield is not too far behind them and we can match them especially since we’re playing the first leg in front of our fans in Bukit Jalil.”