Southeast Asia Thailand

Five Uncapped Players Akira Nishino Could Pick for Thailand

By: , August 18, 2019 1:58 pm

Gian Chansrichawla

Football Tribe Thailand

 

Akira Nishino is set to pick his first provisional squad for the Thai National Team this Sunday. Having visited many games and training sessions during his preparation time, he is expected to give many players a clean slate for the beginning of his tenure. With that in mind, here are five uncapped players that Akira Nishino could hand debuts to in the upcoming matches:

5 - Peerapong Ruenin

Goalkeeper, 23, PTT Rayong

With Kawin Thamsatchanan struggling for game time in the Belgian league, Thailand is having something of a goalkeeping crisis. The 'third-choice' goalkeeper seat has been in rotation for a while now, and based on form, Peerapong Ruenin definitely deserves to be in the conversation. Having failed to make the cut at Nakhon Ratchasima and Ubon UMT, Peerapong is finally getting his chance to shine with PTT Rayong and has shown an incredible shot-stopping ability which has helped his side remain clear of the relegation zone.

4 - Ekanit Panya

Attacking Midfielder, 19, Chiangrai United

Despite having very few games of top-flight football experience under his belt, Ekanit is surely in the picture to star for the U23 Olympic team, and may even be called upon to gain experience with the big boys. His excellent performances at Chiangmai FC earned him an early call-back to parent club Chiangrai United and has already scored a few impressive goals to keep his side in the title race.

3 - Nitipong Selanon

Right Back, 26, Port FC

Port FC's Nitipong Selanon has been a consistent performer for his throughout the entire season, and recently put in an incredible performance in front of Nishino himself as Port beat rivals Muangthong at home for the first time in ten years. With first-choice right-back Tristan Do struggling with injuries, Nitipong could finally force himself into the national team squad.

2 - Teeraphol Yoryoei

Attacking Midfielder, 24, Samut Prakan City FC

The attacking midfielder come striker has been lethal for Samut Prakan City this term, becoming one of the highest-scoring local players in the league. His newly-cultivated eye for goal could make him a solid addition to Thailand's midfield, giving them more direct options in a side better stocked with creative players. Having never been capped for Thailand at youth levels before, it would certainly be an outsider pick for the national squad, but possibly one worth taking a punt on.

1 - Elias Dolah

Center Back, 27, Port FC

In the middle of an incredible season, calls for him to be selected for the National Team have intensified even further since the appointment of Akira Nishino. This year, Dolah has taken responsibility and become Port's main stalwart in defense. Even without captain David Rochela, who was de-registered from the league squad due after a lengthy spell of injuries, the Klongtoei lions have barely felt his absence. Possessing a skill-set which is very rare among Thai defenders, it would be crazy for the new boss to overlook Dolah this time.