As promised, FourthOfficial.com will be publishing a series of a features over the next few days, asking renowned football commentators and our own team of editors to shed light on their opinion regarding specific players who were absolutely outstanding throughout the season, including the Super League/Premier League, FA Cup as well as the Malaysia Cup. Having published our Goalkeeper of the Year feature yesterday, we now take an exclusive look at defenders who were relatively impressive throughout the year.
Roshan Narayan (Chief Editor at Large – FourthOfficial.com)
Pick: Shahrom Kalam (Selangor)
“Shahrom was absolutely consistent all season long, and was rock solid with multiple defensive partnerships. His reading of the game is excellent, and I was certainly impressed by him. Selangor owe a lot of their good form to his form at the heart of their defence.”
Keeshaanan Sundaresan (Chief Editor – FourthOfficial.com)
Pick: Shahrom Kalam (Selangor)
“He’s definitely one of the most underrated defenders in Malaysian football, and he proved his mettle on so many occasions throughout the season. He played a big part in Selangor’s excellent defensive record. And to me, he’s far more consistent than most of the current national team defenders”
Abbas Saad (Ex-Australian international, TV Host)
Pick: Fadhli Shas (Johor DT)
“Fadhli Shas is one of the most reliable defenders in Malaysian football. He’s solid, strong in the air and ground. But more importantly, he leads by example at the back and is extremely safe in defensive positions. I’d pick him any day. “
Aysha Ridzuan (Football Writer, Columnist – FourthOfficial.com)
Pick: Aidil Zafuan (Johor DT)
“There is a reason why Aidil is the national team skipper. He’s an impeccable leader on the pitch, and protects his defence relatively well. He formed a strong partnership with Marcos Antonio this season, and was massive for the Southern Tigers all season long.”
Ross Yusof (Football Commentator, Radio/TV Host)
Pick: Damion Stewart (Pahang FA)
“Many accuse Damion of going in over the top but take nothing away from the big man. He has ball skills and chipped in with a few goals in the season. Generally, if Damion doesnt play, Pahang don’t win!”
Scott Ollerenshaw (Ex-Australian international, TV Host)
Pick: Ronny Harun (Sarawak)
“Ronny to me, deserves far more credit than he usually gets. So much of experience within the man, and he’s usually so composed for Sarawak at the back. Doesn’t get recognized as much as others do, but to me, he’s been absolutely sensational for the Crocs this year.”
Craig Morraies (Football Commentator, Radio Pundit)
Pick: Fadhli Shas (Johor DT)
“In a day in age where MSL teams are signing 2 foreign strikers, Fadhli has proved he is more than able to compete with them, and enjoys the physical side of things. His airiel ability has made him stand out when up against taller and more physical foreign strikers.”
What do you think about the names that were presented on the list? Do you agree or disagree with them? Let us know by engaging with us on Facebook and Twitter! Or alternatively, drop a comment below!
Find out who featured in our Goalkeeper of the Year piece, here!
Other posts by Keeshaanan Sundaresan
