PETALING JAYA: The Spanish star Samu Castillejo looks set to shine in Buriram.
Despite not playing since August after being released by Valencia, Johor Darul Ta’zim’s winger Castillejo is fit to take on Thai giants Buriram United in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite last 16 first-leg tie at the Chang Arena in Buriram today.
The 30-year-old got the seal of approval from coach Hector Bidoglio but the Venezuelan did not indicate whether the Serie A winner with AC Milan two seasons ago will start the game or come from the bench.
Castillejo’s signing is well-publicised and it was not a surprise to see the Thai media asking if he would play or not.
“Samu... he is in good condition. I can assure you that he is available to play,” said Bidoglio during the pre-match press conference at the Chang Arena yesterday.
“We have had a few training sessions and I can say that he is fit and sharp to play but the decision on the first eleven will be made on game day. But yes, Samu is ready.”
Castillejo will further boost the wingers’ department, which also have the likes of Arif Aiman Hanapi and another Spaniard Jonathan Vieira.
Castillejo is certainly a good catch for JDT as he comes with impressive credentials.
He has played 324 games in La Liga and Serie A, winning the Italian League title with AC Milan in the 2021-2022 season, where he got to play alongside Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Italian international midfielder Sandro Tonali and France’s all-time top scorer Olivier Giroud.
He usually plays on the right flank, which is a position occupied by Arif, who has been the team’s leading man in the ACL Elite, scoring five goals and making two assists during the league stages.
It would be a surprise if Bidoglio opts for Castillejo instead of Arif, but in a team like JDT, competition for places is always there and both these men would have given their all to ensure they get a spot in the first eleven.
With JDT having held Buriram 0-0 during the competition’s league stage at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Dec 3 last year, they now enter the battlefield as equals in the knockout clash.
Rightback Matthew Davies said it would not be easy facing Buriram away.
“But we are excited because both sides want to take the next step in this competition. They want to show who is stronger but on our side, we will be at 100 percent and show how prepared we are for this tie,” said the 30-year-old.
