PETALING JAYA: Striker Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin is thriving in a dual role at Negri Sembilan and the Deer need no reminder of his high value.
The 23-year-old impressed with his ability to rotate seamlessly between being the man up front and blazing the flanks in their 1-0 aggregate win over Immigration in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 on Sunday.
And Luqman capped his virtuoso display by scoring the solitary goal at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium.
He combined work rate, positional intelligence and composure in a demanding role which would have been too heavy for a lesser player.
Luqman said he has adapted quickly to his role due to his right mindset.
“Whether I play as a striker or a winger, the physical and mental demands are huge. Pushing myself in those areas is what makes me a more complete player,” he said.
Luqman was a handful to Immigration’s defence before striking in the 62nd minute, finishing off a precise cutback from wingback A. Selvan.
Negri had a chance to seize control late in the first half when Selvan was fouled by Immigration’s Brazilian hardman Pedro Santos in the box.
But captain and Japanese midfielder Takumi Sasaki saw his penalty saved by Immigration keeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin.
Negri’s slim victory came after a tense first leg ended in a goalless draw at Batu Kawan Stadium on Jan 17. Looking ahead, Luqman is determined to help elevate Negri’s league position while continuing his personal development, with a national team call-up firmly in his sights.
“Coach Nidzam (Jamil) and the coaching staff gave me the confidence to play my game, and my teammates’ support has helped me learn from early-season mistakes and improve with every match,” he added.
Negri will face Selangor in the quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paroi on Feb 8 and the return leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Feb 14.
