PETALING JAYA: Selangor are set to have a new chief playmaker at their disposal and he comes from England.
Zach Clough (pic) is the man for the job and the news was broken by their former player and Australian football pundit Robbie Cornthwaite.
“Adelaide United midfielder Zach Clough has signed for Malaysian Super League giants Selangor,” he tweeted yesterday.
The move will whet the appetite of Selangor fans, especially after the departure of Venezuelan playmaker Yohandry Orozco during the off-season.
Clough brings with him a wealth of experience, creativity, and technical flair that Selangor hope will elevate their midfield to new heights.
The 30-year-old playmaker is well known for his intelligence on the ball, sharp passing range, and an eye for goal, all attributes that have made him a standout in the English Football League and Australia’s top tier.
Having started his career at Bolton Wanderers, Clough quickly made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
He scored 21 goals in 68 appearances for Bolton and also had stints with Nottingham Forest and Wigan Athletic.
Injuries may have disrupted parts of his career but at his best, Clough remains a dynamic attacking midfielder with an instinctive ability to unlock defences.
At Adelaide United, Clough found his rhythm again, becoming a central figure in their attacking set-up. His vision and control in tight spaces proved vital for the Reds and his ability to drop deep and dictate play often allowed others around him to flourish.
Last season in the A-League, he played 27 matches, scoring seven and making nine assists.
Selangor’s move for Clough signals their intent to challenge for silverware and build on the steady progress they made under coach Katsuhito Kinoshi.
Clough is expected to slot into an advanced midfield role, potentially just behind the striker, where his ability to thread through passes and take on defenders could provide Selangor with the attacking edge they need.
He could also be deployed as a winger.
Fans of the Red Giants will be eager to see how quickly Clough adapts to the tempo and physicality of Malaysian football.
However, given his technical style and prior experience adjusting to different leagues, there is confidence that he will make an immediate impact.
