PETALING JAYA: Terengganu will face their first real test of the season when they host Selangor at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak today.
Spanish midfielder Victor Ruiz knows what is at stake, and says it is in matches like these that his best form tends to emerge.
“The next match is one of the biggest in the league, and I personally enjoy playing in these kinds of matches,” said the 32-year-old, who played for Kuala Lumpur last season.
“I think it will be a great game, with intensity and a lot of competition. I see us as prepared to play a good match and get a positive result.”
Ruiz, who has previously turned out for Swiss top-flight side St Gallen and Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, made a strong start with the Turtles against Melaka.
He was central to Terengganu’s 3-0 win, scoring in the 45th minute and setting up Gervane Kastaneer’s opener in the 12th minute. Kastaneer added his second goal in the 80th minute.
“It was a very good debut, helping the team with a goal and an assist, but the most important thing was the three points and the support of our fans. It was a good way to start,” said Ruiz.
Terengganu are now led by Nafuzi Zain, a change that has given fans reason for optimism given his previous stint in charge, where he steered the club to a second-place league finish and won admirers nationwide for his playing style.
“We have good and quality players in every position, and that helps us play good football.” Ruiz is hoping to help his new club improve on last season’s fifth-place finish, while also building on his own personal numbers.
He made 28 appearances for the City Boys across all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.
“My goal is to help the club improve on previous results through hard work and also improve on my stats from last year.”
