Southeast Asia

SEA Chinese New Year Special XI

By: , February 4, 2019 9:16 pm
Credit – Tran Tien (Football Tribe Vietnam)

In order to celebrate Chinese New Year, Football Tribe has compiled a list of the best eleven players born in the year of the pig, which is the upcoming year in the cycle. This mainly comprises of players born in 1995 or 1983. Read below to find out which stars made the cut:

Goalkeeper

Name: Wawan Hendrawan

Age: 36

Nationality: Indonesia

Club: Bali United

A good shot-stopper and a nightmare for strikers, especially when face-to-face from the penalty spot. Beside his penalty-reading skills, Wawan also remembered by his given nickname by the fans, Spiderwan. Not only because it describes his performance between the sticks, but also his celebration of climbing the post after Bali won a penalty shoot-out on several occasions in cup competitions.

Defender

Name: Panupong Wongsa

Age: 35

Nationality: Thailand

Club: PEA, Muangthong United, Suphanburi & Bangkok United

Panupong rose to fame after winning the league with PEA in 2008 before switching to Muangthong United, forming an impenetrable partnership alongside centreback Nattaporn Panrit - guiding the club to two league titles in 2010 & 2012. He was selected for the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup Best XI as Thailand finished runners-up. Panupong is now part of Bangkok United's coaching staff.

Defender

Name: Bui Tien Dung

Age: 24

Nationality: Vietnam

Club: Viettel FC

Bui Tien Dung is the main center-backs for Vietnam team in the 2018 AFC U23 Championship, 2018 Asian Games and2019 Asian Cup. He scored a decisive penalty to help Vietnam qualify for the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup earlier this year, making history for his nation.

Defender

Name: Hansamu Yama

Age: 24

Nationality: Indonesia

Club: Persebaya Surabaya

Hansamu is one of the "golden generation" which won the AFF U-19 Championship in 2013. His youth career started in Uruguay with Indonesian-satellite club, SAD. His good positioning and aerial ability make him a complete defender. After playing for Barito Putera for three years, this season Hansamu will join sleeping giants Persebaya Surabaya.

Defensive Midfielder

Name: Pham Duc Huy

Age: 24

Nationality: Vietnam

Club: Hanoi FC

Duc Huy is the most versatile players in Vietnam right now. He can play in all position except for striker and goalkeeper. He would be vital for Vietnam and Hanoi squad this season.

Right Midfielder

Name: Suchao Nutnum

Age: 35

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Buriram United

Although 35, "Mr.Cice Guy" Suchao Nutnum is still part of Buriram United's squad. He has won 6 Thai League titles, 4 FA Cups, 5 League Cups and recently just added a Champions Cup trophy his name over the past weekend. A leader and a great professional, Suchao will go down as one of Thailand's most decorated player in modern history.

Center Midfielder

Name: Evan Dimas Darmono

Age: 23

Nationality: Indonesia

Club: Barito Putera

Another member of the U-19 Golden Generation, Evan trailed in Barcelona's famous La Masia academy in his young days. His passing skill and vision make him one of the best playmakers in the country. With his best years still ahead of him, he has already played overseas in Malaysia, giving him valuable experience and earmarking him as one of the region's brightest talents.

Center Midfielder

Name: Datsakorn Thonglao

Age: 35

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Simork FC (Loan)

Datsakorn won 3 SEA Games Gold Medals while making over 100 national team appearances. He enjoyed a spell with V League side Hoàng Anh Gia Lai before returning home when he signed for Muanthong United - leading "The Kirin" the 3 Thai League titles. Technically gifted and fearless, it will be a long time before Thailand find a midfield as excellent as him.

Left Midfielder

Name: Mohamadou Sumareh

Age: 24

Nationality: Malaysia (Gambian-born)

Club: Pahang

Sumareh received his Malaysian citizenship in April 2018 after staying in the country for almost 5 years. He made his debut on the 12th of October 2018, in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka.

Striker

Name: Nguyen Cong Phuong

Age: 24

Nationality: Vietnam

Club: Hoang Anh Gia Lai

Cong Phuong had two superb tournaments at the end of 2018 and early 2019. He will be the main striker for Vietnam's National Team this year during their upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Striker

Name: Thanabalan Nadarajah

Age: 24

Nationality: Malaysia

Club: Kedah

Thanabalan made 6 appearances and scored 4 goals in 2017 Southeast Asian Games. He played in the final against Thailand, which Malaysia lost 0–1