Unpolished gems: Midfielder Natxo Insa (left) and centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili have been named to the Harimau Malaya squad for the two international friendlies against Laos and India.
PETALING JAYA: It’s time for Natxo Insa of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to show his true colours for Harimau Malaya.
Former national striker Safee Sali hopes the deep-lying playmaker, who has been a standout for the Southern Tigers in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE), can bring his JDT form to the Malaysian team.
“He deserves the call-up, especially when you see his performances in the ACLE,” said Safee.
“His midfield industry is good and you can also see him making lots of defence-splitting passes from midfield. If he does that for Malaysia, it will be good.
“The squad selected by coach Pau is good. A lot of players are picked based on their form, especially those playing in the continental stages.
“Besides Natxo, I am also glad centreback Harith Haiqal (Adam Afkar) and midfielder Nooa (Laine), both from Selangor, have been picked. They have been the young standouts this season.”
Safee, the 2010 AFF Suzuki champion and Golden Boot winner, said the 26-men squad picked by interim coach Pau Marti Vicente is done based on merit.
Among the 26, only centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili is the uncapped player and Safee said it is about time the youngster gets his chance with the senior after playing for the national under-age sides for many years.
“I have been following Ubaidullah since he started his career, so he is one with great potential and he now has the chance to show his credentials for the national team.
“I just hope this squad can show good chemistry in the two friendlies they are playing away from home.”
Malaysia will play Laos in PAT Stadium, Bangkok, on Nov 14 before flying to India to play against the Indian team at Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on Nov 18.
The team will be undergoing a two-day training at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya from today before going to Bangkok on Tuesday.
“We played against India last year, beating them 4-2, so it will be an exciting game. They are ranked higher than us, so beating them would give us valuable ranking points,” said Safee.
