Southeast Asia

AFF Cup Players To Watch – Defenders

With just four days remaining until the tournament kicks off, we take a look at the best defenders to keep your eye on during the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Thailand

Philip Roller

Age: 24

Position: Right Back

Current Club: Ratchaburi FC

Background: The Thai-German defender started his professional in the German lower divisons and the first tier in Austria before signing for Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC midway through the 2017 season. The 24-year-old took his new club to the League Cup and FA Cup semi-finals in 2017 and 2018 respectively. 2 goals and 7 assists this season earned him a call-up to the national team, where he has established himself as Milovan Rajevac favourite, playing the full 90 minutes in 3 of the 5 games he took part in, scoring his first goal in Thailand's 1-0 win over Hong Kong last month.

Playing Style: An attacking fullback with plenty of energy and courage to get up and down the touchline, Roller's pace, acceleration and body balance make him tough to out-muscle or out-run over a long distance. He is also good at winning headers and is never afraid to take a shot.

Vietnam

Do Duy Manh

Age: 22

Position: Center Back

Current Club: Hanoi FC

Background: Duy Manh came through the ranks at the current Vietnamese League champions, Hanoi FC. He has played in many national youth tournaments, representing various junior teams for Vietnam before being upgraded to senior team in 2015.

Playing Style: Traditionally a central midfielder, Duy Manh underwent a tactical revolution to become one of the finest center-backs in the country. With his excellent passing range and reading of the game, he was an important part of Hanoi FC team which won the league with 5 games left.

Malaysia

Shahrul Saad

Age: 25

Position: Center Back

Current Club: Perak FA

Background: He is a product of the national youth team and played for Harimau Muda B in the Tiger A league in Singapore. In 2015, he graduated from the youth system and was signed by Felda United. He returned to Perak FA, a club which he had previously represented at youth level, in 2016. In his first season at the club, the center-back made 16 appearances and scored 2 goals. This year, he helped Perak FA gain an impressive second place in the Super League behind JDT, as well as win the Malaysia Cup.

Playing Style: Known for his technical ability and physical presence, Shahrul Saad is a ball-playing central defender. In the Malaysia Cup final against Terengganu, he demonstrated his defensive skills, vision and versatility. He also known as a vocal leader who helps keep his focused.

Indonesia

Hansamu Yama Pranata

Age: 23

Position: Center Back

Current Club: Barito Putera

Background: Having trained with SAD Indonesia (Deportivo Indonesia) in Uruguay since high school, Hansamu's performances have many believing that he could have a bright future, possible as the next great Indonesian centre-back. After playing in Uruguay for two years, he began wear the Garuda jersey since 2013 with Under-19 Naational Team, who he helped take to the U-19 AFF title. He Signed his profesional contract with Barito Putera a year later. His debut with senior National Team came during 2016 AFF Cup, where he played in a match against Vietnam and even scored his debut goal.

Playing Style: Standing at 1.83 metres tall, Hansamu has excellent ability in aerial duels and a powerful header. His style combines good technique with the rough play necessary of a center back. Despite his age, Hansamu also has plenty of experience, having played in three different age levels with the national team, captaining Barito Putera and the U-23 national team during 2018 Asian Games.