Youngest player Muhammad ready to fight for place in U-23 team team squad

Hard at work: Muhammad Abu Khalil (right) going through the drills during a training session. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: Muhammad Abu Khalil is the youngest in the Under-23 team but don’t expect him to be a mere observer.

The Selangor player, who will turn 19 on April 11, has promised to ruffle the feathers as best as he can to earn his right to play for Harimau Muda in the AFC Asian Cup from April 15-May 3 in Doha, Qatar.

But Muhammad knows that it will not be easy.

He is one of the defensive midfielders picked by coach Juan Torres Garrido for the tournament but he has to compete with other established players like Nooa Laine, team captain Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, Syahir Bashah, Saiful Jamaluddin and Aiman Afif Afizul.

Based on experience, Laine, Syahir and Mukhairi are expected to be the main midfielders for the national team but Muhammad feels he has what it takes to feature for the Under-23 team despite his young age.

“I’ve played with the Under-23 team several times, especially when we went for matches in China and Thailand. Those experiences have helped me,” he said.

“I believe I have what it takes to help Malaysia in the Asian Cup. It’s the biggest stage, so for sure I want to give my best.

“I know competition for the spot will be tight and each player has their strong points to help the team.

“We don’t see it as a fight but healthy rivalry. In fact, Syahir and Mukhairi are doing their best to help youngsters like me.

“All of us have a role. Whatever role given to me, I will do my best.”

Muhammad sees the tournament as an opportunity to grow further in his football career.

“To be the youngest feels good. I will use this as another platform to gain as much experience as possible for me to be better.”

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have set a quarter-final target for the Under-23 team and some are hopeful they can get to the semi-finals, which could earn them a spot in the Paris Olympics.

Malaysia are in Group D with Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Kuwait.

Malaysia will play a friendly match against Qatar on April 10 before the tournament kicks off as Muhammad looks to impress for a spot in the first game.