New place, new challenge: V. Annil in his new colours after signing for Nakhon Si United. — Nakhon Si United
PETALING JAYA: When Malaysian footballer V. Annil walked into Nakhon Si United’s training ground for the first time, it was not just a new club he was stepping into, it was the next stage of his football journey.
The 21-year-old from Kajang, Selangor, has already experienced football far from home, having spent the past few years in Germany with Freiburger II and later Waldhof Mannheim.
But his latest move, to Thai League Two, is more than just another transfer. It is about pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.
“I always like to leave my comfort zone and try to learn something new,” said Annil.
“Thailand has been a big name in Southeast Asia for a while now, so I think playing here will definitely help me improve and develop myself.”
Tall and commanding at 1.86m, Annil can operate both as a centreback and a defensive midfielder.
He has already represented Malaysia’s Under-23 team four times, but his sights are firmly set on adding more caps and perhaps even securing a permanent place in the squad for upcoming tournaments.
“My goal is also to get called up with the Under-23 national team,” he said with quiet determination.
“I believe I’m in the right place mentally and physically to bring something to the team, but first I need to prove myself in the Thai league.”
The decision to move came after a period of weighing up his options. There were talks with clubs back home in Malaysia, and even a short training stint in Brunei.
But the chance to join Nakhon Si United, a club that finished ninth out of 18 teams last season, proved too compelling to pass up.
“It’s a great opportunity to play here in this competitive Thai League Two. I’ve had verbal offers from Thailand for quite a while, and I felt it was the right time to move to first-team football and get as much playing time as possible.”
“Nakhon Si has great vision and the coaching staff are super tactical.”
The team are currently under an interim coach while they await the arrival of a new European head coach, but Annil has already had conversations with both about his role.
“He wants to see me develop myself as a centreback and use my strengths, such as physicality and height, and work well within his tactical formation.”
After years in Europe, Annil believes his tactical understanding and adaptability will serve him well in Thailand. Yet, this move is also about rediscovering himself in a new environment.
“I feel good and ready to start in Asia now. It’s been a lot of years in Europe, and I’ve learned so much on the field tactically.
“Now I want to show what I have learned, test myself in a different league, and keep improving.”
