PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) centreback Shane Lowry could turn out to be the unexpected hero in their Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup Group B away clash with Vietnam’s Nam Dinh today.
The Australian will have his work cut out in trying to contain Nam Dinh striker Nguyen Xuan Son, also known as Rafaelson, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
The prolific 28-year-old hitman has been central to his team’s perfect run in the competition, prompting JDT to brace themselves for a stern test in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash between the group’s top two sides.
Lowry is aware of the challenge, insisting the Malaysian champions are fully prepared for the encounter.
“We are looking forward to the match.
“It’s a clash between the top two teams in the group,” said Lowry.
“Nam Dinh are a quality side who haven’t dropped any points so far, so we expect a very tough encounter with Rafaelson in their front line.
“However, we are ready to give everything to take the three points and move to the top of the group.
JDT will also be boosted by the return of suspended trio Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal, although coach Xisco Munoz stressed that the emphasis remains firmly on the task at hand.
“Right now, our focus is entirely on the Shopee Cup,” said Munoz.
Munoz sees Nam Dinh as one of the strongest sides in the group and singled out Xuan Son as a danger.
“Their striker Rafaelson is a very good player and we need full focus, especially on lateral crosses where he is most dangerous.”
Nam Dinh coach Mauro Jeronimo believes Xuan Son has yet to reach his peak, despite already scoring seven goals in just three appearances.
“No, he is still not in perfect condition,” said Jeronimo.
“You can imagine what he will be capable of when he reaches that level.”
Xuan Son struck twice in Nam Dinh’s recent 3-0 win over Lion City Sailors after Cesar Caio had opened the scoring, as the V. League 1 champions secured qualification for the knockout rounds with their fourth consecutive Group B victory.
He was named man of the match for the third time in the competition.
