Solid run: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi (left) has scored 14 goals overall this season – five in the Super League, four in the FA Cup and five with the national squad. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Former national striker Safee Sali says Johor Darul Ta’zim hotshot Arif Aiman Hanapi should consider playing in the Middle East first before taking the bold step of heading to Europe, where the game is more competitive and challenging.
“Arif could maybe explore his potential in an Arab country or the United Arab Emirates. He is still young, so there’s much that can be improved and he has a long journey ahead of him,” Safee said when met at the 59th Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) congress yesterday.
Safee also said that the 21-year-old winger should remain with JDT and hone his skills further before moving abroad.
“Let him have his time with JDT. If he goes abroad at 21 or 22, his performance might not improve, so let him explore first as some players peak too early and then fade away,” he said.
Arif recently captured the attention of local football fans after his hattrick helped JDT bury Selangor 4-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals on June 25.
He has scored 14 goals overall this season – five in the Super League, four in the FA Cup and five with the national squad.
On June 20, Arif scored four goals while on international duty against Papua New Guinea in Terengganu, a match which Malaysia won 10-0.
Arif’s star is definitely on the rise, and many coaches and managers currently view the Most Valuable Player of 2021 and 2022 as being capable of becoming one of the best footballers in Asia. — Bernama
