Motoyama reveals what’s wrong with Malaysian footballers

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian footballers are a courageous and hardworking lot, but their basics still need work.

That’s the observation of Kelantan United midfielder Masashi Motoyama in an an interview with J-League.

The 42-year-old Motoyama’s diplomacy was tempered with some brutal honesty as he highlighted what needs to be fixed to make Malaysian players better.

Just being a pro: Kelantan United midfielder Masashi Motoyama’s diplomacy was tempered with some brutal honesty in his interview with J-League.

“Malaysian players have the potential, but they have yet to understand the game fully. Their positioning is odd at times; they don’t know how to use their bodies well or move their necks properly. But these basics can be fixed,” said Motoyama.

“In terms of ability, I would say they are interesting. They are spirited and always challenge themselves to score goals. I’m playing in the second division, so I reckon the top division will have players with much better quality.”

Motoyama, who before his move to Malaysia has only played in Japan for Kashima Antlers and Giravanz Kitakyushu, said his first experience overseas has been enriching so far.

When asked about the quality of the clubs here, he said only one were on par with some of the top Japanese sides.

“Johor (Johor Darul Ta’zim) are far better than the others. They have an indoor training field, and in terms of facilities, they are the only team that can compete with some of the J-League’s top clubs.

“I would say all the teams are almost on the same level except for JDT, who have won the league seven times in a row.

“Kelantan United are a new club, but my experience in Malaysia so far has made me better in terms of understanding various football environments.”

Motoyama is a revered figure in the Kashima set-up. He played 496 games and scored 63 goals for them from 1998 to 2015.

He helped them win six J-League titles (1998, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008 and 2009), the Emperor’s Cup twice (2000 and 2007), the J-League Cup twice (2000 and 2002) and the Japanese Super Cup in 2009.

He amassed 28 caps with the national team and made his debut under Philippe Troussier in 2000.

The playmaker created quite a stir during the 1999 World Youth Championship where he helped Japan finish runners-up behind Spain. That performance earned him a spot in the tournament’s all-star first XI.