PETALING JAYA: Naming just two recognised centrebacks for the FIFA Asean Cup campaign may have raised a few eyebrows.
But Terengganu defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili is not losing any sleep over the apparent shortage at the back, believing versatility is the way forward in the modern game.
The FIFA Asean Cup will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Sept 24 to Oct 5.
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s list of defenders includes Ubaidullah, La’vere Corbin-Ong, Daniel Ting, Dion Cools, Faris Danish Mohd Asrul, Quentin Cheng and Syahmi Safari.
Ubaidullah and Daniel have played regularly as centrebacks.
The 22-year-old, fondly known as Ubai, insists it is a non-issue, as every defender in the squad is comfortable playing across multiple positions.
“Take me, for example, for my club this season, I’ve played as a fullback and sometimes as a left wingback to help Terengganu with their attacks. I believe all of us called up would be happy to play anywhere,” he said.
“Even the other defenders called up are versatile. Dion has played centreback before for the national team, and even the others have done so when needed for club and country.’’
Malaysia have been drawn in Group A of Division One alongside regional rivals Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh.
Only the group winners advance directly to the final, while the runners-up from each group meet in a third-fourth playoff.
“I am excited to be part of this new competition, and also playing alongside seniors like Dion and now with Bergson (Da Silva),” said Ubaidullah.
“Bergson has shown his quality in the Malaysian League, and Dion is doing well for Cerezo Osaka. With them around, we’ve to work hard and prove our worth in the team.
“(Manuel) Hidalgo, Bergson and (Brad) Tapp, will surely add some bite to our team in this tournament.’’
While he has been tipped as one of Malaysia’s most promising players in recent years, Ubaidullah knows he needs to raise his game further, particularly as Terengganu search for consistency on the domestic front.
The club currently sit seventh in the Super League and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brunei in the quarter-finals.
