There’s no denying the fact that it’s been an interesting Malaysia Super League campaign thus far, though the teams beginning to assert themselves at the top of the table, aren’t surprise packages in any way.
After Matchday 5, Johor DT continue to lead the MSL table with 13 points, having claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over PDRM on Sunday. Felda United are however one point away with 12, as they also secured a routine 2-0 victory over Pahang on Saturday. Selangor succumbed to their first league defeat of the season, with Issey Nakajima-Farran firing two goals to inspire Terengganu to a 3-1 win over them.
Perak on the other hand, maintained both their excellent defensive record as well as their poor offensive record by battling out a 0-0 stalemate against T-Team, which happened to be their fourth draw of the season. Sarawak on the other hand, secured a valuable point against Kedah, after a dramatic injury time equalizer from Ndumba Makeche. Meanwhile, Kelantan returned to winning ways after a brace from Ilijoski inspired them to seal a 3-1 victory over Penang on Saturday.
So without wasting time, here’s our pick for #FabFour of the Week for Matchday Five!
GOALKEEPER OF THE WEEK: Sharbinee Allawee – Terengganu FA
There was a point in time when Sharbinee was arguably regarded as one of the most talented shot-stoppers within Malaysia and on Friday night, we got a perfect glimpse of why that was the case. Sharbinee was absolutely astute in between Terengganu’s sticks as he produced several clinical saves to deny the likes of Patrick Ronaldinho, Hafiz Kamal and even Nazmi Faiz. There was barely anything he could do about Gopinathan’s goal – let’s call a spade a spade. But his general confidence at the back played a crucial part in Terengganu being able to keep it tight, eventually leading to the crucial win.
DEFENDER OF THE WEEK: Thiago Junior – Perak FA
This is now his second #FabFour appearance and if you’re surprised, you’ve probably not watched Perak this season. While the Seladangs have struggled to score goals and win games, they currently have the best defensive record within the league, alongside, Johor DT. Thiago was at his usual best on Sunday night, as he led their defence impeccably in their bid to shut the T-Team attackers. More importantly, he also made his occasional forays into midfield and attack – where he was a major threat during set-piece situations. Perak fans aren’t the happiest bunch right now, but ask any of them about Thiago Junior’s performance against T-Team and they’ll sing fantastic praises of the Brazilian.
MIDFIELDER OF THE WEEK: Badhri Radzi (Piya) – Kelantan FA
It’s not a surprise that Kelantan’s return to form coincided with a revival in Badhri Radzi’s form. The playmaker was once an incredible influence on pitch, every single time he featured in a game, though his influence has been dwindling off in recent months. But last Saturday, Piya was back at his best in Kota Bharu, dominating the midfield battle with his sheer composure on the ball. He notched an assist in the first half by threading an excellent pass for Ilijoski, before going on to score Kelantan’s third goal in the second half, after being brilliantly played through by Wan Zack Wan Haikal. Kelantan’s Captain Marvel seems to be back on track.
FORWARD OF THE WEEK: Issey Nakajima-Farran – Terengganu FA
He was always going to be a threat, wasn’t he? Terengganu fans were given a major treat last weekend as the Turtles notched a fantastic 3-1 win over rivals Selangor FA. And while the entire team was oozing with creativity and confidence on the pitch, one man made a significant difference with his movement and positioning upfront. The ‘Nasi Dagang enthusiast’ forward scored a left-footed strike late in the first half, before going on to score his second of the night and Terengganu’s third via a clinical header on the 88th minute of the game, which effectively ended Selangor’s hopes of manifesting a comeback. With Issey back, Terengganu’s season will officially begin now.
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