PETALING JAYA: Selangor centreback Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar is known for his wily challenges and boisterous defending whenever he dons the colours of his club.
At the age of 23, he is an up-and-coming prospect in defence for the club. However, he knows that if he wants to enhance his reputation further, he needs to record clean sheets in the Super League.
In the last four Super League matches, the Red Giants have conceded five goals. Against Kedah, they conceded two but went on to win the game 3-2.
The Malaysian international is hopeful that he can start against Police at the Petaling Jaya Stadium today.
“Our players have recovered well. I hope we can maintain our winning run against Police,” said Sharul.
“We have to be careful with their counter-attacks though. We cannot underestimate them because they can play. We need to get an early goal to win.
“We have been conceding goals, but we are getting better. Hopefully, against Police, we can get a clean sheet.
“We have an advantage when it comes to set-pieces. If we can score from there, it is good.”
But Police have some potent attackers in the form of Liberian international Marcus Macauley, Nigerian striker Uche Agba and Japanese-Brazilian striker Bruno Suzuki.
Sharul said he is game to face these names despite him being a local player.
“Import players are different from local ones. I’ve experienced playing against strikers like Kpah Sherman.
“I’ve to know how to lock them. I hope I can do my best. Whoever is tasked to mark the foreign players would do a good job, whether it’s me or Yazan (Al-Arab).”
Selangor are second in the league with 28 points, while Police are 10th with 13 points.
