PETALING JAYA: Midfielder Aliff Haiqal Lau (pic) is savouring a reunion with national football team interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe as they prepare for the AFF Hyundai Cup starting on July 24.
The 26-year-old Selangor player had worked closely with Cheng Hoe when he was Red Giants coach in 2022, where they finished runners-up in the Super League and qualified for the AFC Champions League Two.
Aliff, who is on loan to Penang, believes the understanding between them could be the key to him securing a starting playmaker role for Malaysia.
“I’m used to playing under coach Tan during my time with Selangor and so far, I’ve been able to work very well with him,” said Aliff, affectionately known as Nonet.
“It also helps me to enjoy the game from one match to the next.’’
The Kajang-born Aliff made his professional debut in 2018 when he played for PKNS before moving to Selangor in 2019.
He has so far earned three caps with Malaysia.
Aliff is known for his work rate in the middle of the park and has a penchant for making late runs into the box and also coming up with some good visionary passes.
Aliff will compete with the likes of Engku Nur Shakir Nur Yacob, Sergio Aguero, Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal, Endrick dos Santos and Zhafri Yahya for one of the two playmaker spots.
