PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football followers are accustomed to seeing Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winger Manuel Hidalgo operating on the flanks, but he is now enjoying a new role – as Harimau Malaya’s playmaker in the No. 10 jersey.
The 27-year-old made his debut for Malaysia after being given a starting berth in the team’s 3-0 win over Bangladesh in the opening Group A fixture of the FIFA Asean Cup at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday.
A brace from Arif Aiman Hanapi and a debut international goal from Bergson da Silva gave Malaysia a winning start.
Hidalgo, who was one of three players given the green light to play for Malaysia, made a promising start, helping Malaysia retain possession well and threading a number of key passes to spark attacks.
“I’m so happy to have made my debut. I like the midfield role, and I’m used to playing in that position for JDT,” said Hidalgo.
“It’s easier when you play with great teammates like the ones in this squad. The coach gave me a lot of confidence and let me play my game, which is important,” said Hidalgo, who is a huge fan of Argentinian legend Diego Maradona and his devotion is reflected in a tattoo of the icon.
Besides Hidalgo and Da Silva, the other Malaysian to get his first cap was Australian-born centreback Bradley Tapp, who is eligible to play under the mixed heritage card as his mother was born in Penang.
Hidalgo added that his first taste of international football was a different challenge compared to club football.
“It’s different in terms of representing such a big country at the international level, but I take it with pride and without pressure,” he said.
The victory gives Malaysia an important morale boost ahead of their clash with Indonesia tomorrow at the same venue, and Hidalgo knows what is at stake.
“Indonesia are a super strong team, but we are confident too that we can compete and get a good result.
“It’s going to be a tough match, but I’m looking forward to playing – this is the kind of match I love to play,” he said.
