Southeast Asia

2018 AFF Cup – Best XI Of The Tournament

By: , December 17, 2018 9:10 pm
Syahmi Safari Credit – FA Malaysia

Take a look at Football Tribe’s picks for the best players at the 2018 AFF Cup:

Goalkeeper

Name: Faziral Marlias

Age: 32

Nationality: Malaysia

Getting Faziral between the sticks was a tactical coup for Tan Cheng Hoe. Using his sweeper keeper abilities, the JDT shot-stopper allowed his defensive line to advance higher, and greatly help the side's pressing style.

Right Back

Name: Syahmi Safari

Age: 20

Nationality: Malaysia

The energetic right-back was one of the best players for Harimau Malaya at the tournament, with his long-range strike against Thailand being a particularly memorable moment. Syahmi Safari is an aggressive, tenacious, and hard-tackling player.

Center Back

Name: Tran Dinh Trong

Age: 21

Nationality: Vietnam

Dinh Trong played vital role in the defence of Vietnam team, stabilizing a side that didn't concede a single goal throughout the group stages. His contribution was crucial in helping the team win their second AFF Cup trophy.

Center Back

Name: Shahrul Saad

Age: 25

Nationality: Malaysia

Shahrul formed an excellent partnership with Aidil at the heart of defense throughout the AFF Cup campaign. He was one of the most consistent players, working hard as a defender and contributing to his side's possession based style with his smooth passing ability.

Left Back

Name: Korrakot Wiriyaudomsiri

Age: 3o

Nationality: Thailand

Korrakot did a fantastic job filling in for Theerathon Bunmathan, who was unavailable due to his commitment with J league side Vissel Kobe. A good crosser and free-kick specialist, Korrakot was involved with 3 goals (1 for himself and 2 assists), more than any other defender this tournament.

Right Midfield

Name: Riko Simanjuntak

Age: 26

Nationality: Indonesia

Despite being eliminated group the group stage, Riko's contribution makes him worthy of being o this list. Despite not in coach Bima Sakti's original plan for the tournament, 45 excellent minutes against Singapore changed everything.

Center Midfield

Name: Nguyen Quang Hai

Age: 21

Nationality: Vietnam

Quang Hai scored three goals and registered two assists for Vietnam in their title winning campaign. The rising starlet truly made the step up and handled the pressure of being his country's talisman excellently. He has nominated as the tournament's most valuable player.

Center Midfield

Name: Sanrawat Dechmitr

Age: 29

Nationality: Thailand

The attacking midfielder topped the assists chart, registering four. His passing was a joy to watch and was central to everything imaginative from Thailand. In fact, Sanrawat was actually creating chances till the very last minute, as his deep cross earned Adisak Kraisorn's missed penalty in the final minute against Malaysia

Left Midfield

Name: Phan Van Duc

Age: 22

Nationality: Vietnam

Van Duc was one of the best players for Vietnam at this tournament. He scored twice and assisted three times, making him one of the most productive players and a constant threat down the flank.

Striker

Name: Norshahrul Idlan Tahala

Age: 33

Nationality: Malaysia

Malaysia's top scorer this tournament used his vast experience at this level to once again help his side through some incredibly tough moments. His contribution was vital in getting Malaysia to the final.

Striker

Name: Nguyen Anh Duc

Age: 33

Nationality: Vietnam

Anh Duc was Vietnam's top scorer with four goals. He scored the only goal in the second leg of the final to help the team lift the trophy.