Welcome to our brand new feature for this year’s Malaysia Super League calendar, where our team of writers pick four best players from every MSL matchday. You got it right – one player for each position!
There was plenty of drama and action throughout the weekend, as JDT clinched the Charity Shield title to kick start the new MSL season. But there was excitement elsewhere too. Pahang and T-Team played out a competitive 2-2 draw, while a youthful Perak side held Kelantan to a 0-0 stalemate in Ipoh.
Besides that, Terengganu snatched a narrow 1-0 win over Penang, Felda were absolutely brilliant in their comprehensive 2-0 victory over Kedah while Sarawak succumbed to a narrow 0-1 defeat against PDRM. So without further ado, here’s our inaugural MSL #FabFour of the Week!
GOALKEEPER OF THE WEEK: Hafizul Hakim – Perak FA
The Perak custodian was at his level best over the weekend, pulling several world class saves as they battled to a 0-0 draw against Kelantan. Nothing was expected of him prior to the game. In fact, he was touted by many to be the weak link in Perak’s starting eleven. But the ex-Melaka United keeper proved his doubters wrong by showcasing tremendous confidence and composure in between Perak’s sticks. Everyone will remember the incredible reflex save he produced in the second half, to deny Dramane Traore’s clinical header.
DEFENDER OF THE WEEK: Safuwan Baharuddin – PDRM FA
PDRM got their MSL campaign off to a positive start by clinching a 1-0 win over Sarawak and it was due in no small part to Safuwan’s immaculate composure at the heart of their defence. Sarawak launched waves after waves of attack on the PDRM goal, but Safuwan did an excellent job at nullifying the threat posed by Gilmar as well as Ndumba Makeche. Judging by his performance, PDRM will really be a tough nut to crack this season.
MIDFIELDER OF THE WEEK: Gustavo Lopez – Terengganu FA
For all the flak Terengganu have received for struggling to find a competent replacement for Paulo Rangel, their decision to extend Gustavo Lopez’s contract was absolutely spot-on. He completely ran the show during their match against Penang last weekend. It was never going to be easy – the Panthers have revamped their squad with some quality addition. But Gustavo’s dominating presence in the middle of the park gave Terengganu the room to orchestrate attacks. When everything looked bleak, the Argentinian popped up with a fine finish to help them secure a winning start to the season.
FORWARD OF THE WEEK: Dalibor Volas – Pahang FA
Make no mistakes – Pahang FA did show signs of instability against T-Team over the weekend. The final score ended up being 2-2, though fans would have been delighted with the performance of their brand new signing Dalibor Volas. Just a few months back, Pahang’s frontline was led by Matias Conti and Dickson Nwakaeme – two men who were undoubtedly fan favourites at the club. But Volas stamped his authority from the get go, breaking the deadlock on the 19th minute to score the first goal of the new MSL season. And you know there’s more to come from this man.
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