Sathianathan: ‘I have not seen anything convincing yet from the new signings, especially the foreigners.’ Right: Kuala Lumpur’s Paulo Josue is one of the impressive naturalised players.
PETALING JAYA: The form of naturalised players, especially playmakers Paulo Josue and Endrick dos Santos, could see them donning the Harimau Malaya jersey for the first time this month.
Former national coach and Super League observer B. Sathianathan said the form of Josue and Santos in the Super League has been good and could warrant a call-up for the friendlies against Turkmenistan (March 23) and Hong Kong (March 28) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
Josue, 33, who plays for Kuala Lumpur, has scored two goals in three matches for the City Boys, while Santos, 27, donning the colours of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), has scored two in two games.
Their superb start to the season is mainly due to their influence in the middle of the park, where they have dominated the tempo with their movement and passes.
So, it was not a surprise to hear Sathianathan suggesting the two Brazilians be called up for the next national assignment.
“Paulo has been one of the better players in the league so far, and seeing Endrick playing for JDT, looks refreshing. He is enjoying his time there, and you can see the result in the games,” he said.
Sathianathan also picked Kuala Lumpur midfielder D. Kenny Pallraj, 29, as another national material.
“Last season, he had injuries, but this year, he started in three matches and in the last game against Terengganu, he played well.
“Other than that, I don’t see any refreshing new guys while the familiar national team faces have been outstanding so far in the league. It is still early days though.”
On the teams’ assessment, he said JDT were a class above the rest while top sides like Kedah and Selangor have yet to hit their true potential but would do so as the league progresses.
“JDT have good depth while Kedah are still trying to understand Nafuzi’s concepts even though they have won two games and lost one ... they will improve,” he said.
“Selangor’s foreigners like striker (Ayron Del Valle) and midfielder (Yohandry Orozco), who joined the team at the tailend of pre-season, have yet to shine.
“Kuala Lumpur are still reorganising themselves but will bounce back.
“I have not seen anything convincing yet from the new signings, especially the foreigners.
“Only JDT’s imports have done well, and the return of Diogo (Santo), it was like he never left. He was brilliant against Negri Sembilan (JDT beat them 7-0).
