Midfield maestro: Natxo Insa was selected thanks to his impressive displays for Johor Darul Ta’zim over the years. — Photo by FAM
PETALING JAYA: Midfielder Natxo Insa may be the oldest in the national football team but his rich experience will be priceless.
Though the 37-year-old Insa has only won one cap with Malaysia in 2018, he is expected to make a difference for Harimau Malaya when they begin their campaign in the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, from Jan 12-Feb 10.
Head coach Kim Pang-gon has chosen the veteran because of his displays for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) over the years.
The squad needed a defensive midfielder who could dictate the tempo during matches and Insa, who was born in Spain but has Malaysian ancestry through his grandmother, fits the bill perfectly.
His selection, howeve,r did not go well with as he had only played a few matches due to several injuries, but Insa is ready to prove his detractors wrong.
“I want to thank those who have supported me. To those who don’t, I don’t listen to what they have to say,” said Insa, who played for sides like Celta Vigo, Valencia and Villarreal in the past.
“I’m so happy to be here. It’s an important tournament. I hope to help the team do great things. I’m looking forward to that.
“I’ve played professionally for 20 years, and that experience I hope to use it. In tough moments, I hope to provide stability to the team.
“We have young and experienced players that can power the team. We will have a good outing.”
In the Asian Cup, world No. 130 Malaysia are in Group E with Jordan (87), Bahrain (86) and South Korea (23) and will face Jordan in the opening match on Jan 15.
Malaysia are targeting a spot in the last 16 but it will be tough.
South Korea, especially, are of world-class standard as they will be banking on winger Son Heung-min, centreback Kim Min-jae and striker Hwang Hee-chan.
But Insa believes Malaysia can mount a strong challenge.
“The teams in our group are good. But we have a decent squad. Our skill set is good, so why not? We can go to the next stage. We must believe in ourselves and work game by game,” said Insa.
“We want to see our level against the world-class players but we are not putting pressure on ourselves to win. We will respect our opponents but we will give our best.”
Since making his debut against Mongolia in 2018, Insa said Malaysian football had evolved.
“We are more professional now. The national team have done a great job. We hope to inspire the young kids here.”
