Southeast Asia

SEA Best XI of the Week – 2nd October 2019

By: , October 2, 2019 2:38 pm

It has been an action-packed week with the Thai League Cup final, Matchweek 21 of the Indonesian Liga 1, the second leg of the Malaysian Cup quarterfinals, and a delayed Thai League match between Chonburi and PTT Rayong all being played out. Here are the standout performers of those matches, all lined up in a unique 3-2-3-2 formation.

Goalkeeper

Name: Nattaphong Kajornmalee

Age: 25

Nationality: Thailand

Club: PT Prachuap

When the goalkeeper suffered a devestating injury in a road accident in April 2017, few thought he would return to top flight professional football. However, two years later, Nattaphong Kajornmalee made a string of fantastic saves to help Prachuap win their first ever trophy, the 2019 Thai League Cup, completing his comeback story with a man-of-the-match performance in a historic cup final.

Centre Back

Name: Ahmad Birrul Walidain

Age: 23

Nationality: Indonesia

Club: Persela Lamongan

Chosen by the Liga 1 operator as the Young Player of the Week for Matchweek 21, Birrul's goal helped Persela drew against Bhayangkara on their latest game.

Centre Back

Name: Artyom Filiposyan

Age: 31

Nationality: Uzbekistan

Club: PT Prachuap

The former Uzbek international was imperious at the back for Prachuap. He made a number of critical defensive interventions to keep his side in the game as they survived an onslaught of attacks from the favourites Buriram.

Centre Back

Name: Rizky Pora

Age: 29

Nationality: Indonesia

Club: PS Barito Putera

Clocked up an industrious performance as his Barito Putera side earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Persebaya Surabaya that boosted Laskar Antasari's survival chances. Rizky even got himself an assist for Rafael Silva's only goal of the game.

Central Midfielder

Name: Mukhairi Ajmal

Age: 17

Nationality: Malaysia

Club: PKNP

A young talent who caught most eyes in previous matches. His speed and ability to dribble over two or three defenders definitely helped PKNP's attacking force. He is one of key local players in PKNP's squad despite his young age.

Central Midfielder

Name: David Rowley

Age: 29

Nationality: Malaysia/Australia

Club: Kedah

He finally proved that he is worth it and deserved to play for Kedah's first eleven. Scored twice in each leg with simple headers as he could make it again in the next fixtures.

Right Winger

Name: Khyril Muhymeen Zambri

Age: 32

Nationality: Malaysia

Club: Selangor

He scored two crucial goals in helping Selangor to make a comeback before defeating Perak 3-2 on aggregate. His consistency really boosts the energy to Selangor's attacking line.

Attacking Midfielder

Name: Supachok Sarachat

Age: 21

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Buriram United

Pressure was hoisted onto the shoulders of young Supachok as the brightest talent in Buriram's forward line in Saturday's League Cup final. The forward did his best to slink into spaces and create chances against an incredibly tight defense. While the game ultimately ended in defeat, there is hope that the rising star can turn the experience into a valuable one for his personal growth.

Left Winger

Name: Safawi Rasid

Age: 22

Nationality: Malaysia

Club: Johor Darul Ta'zim

Safawi continues his good run by scoring two goals in Larkin. His technical ability, especially in freekick, really give a big threat to the opponent.

Striker

Name: Herlison Caion

Age: 28

Nationality: Brazil

Club: Chonburi

The Brazilian striker scored two goals and registered an assist as Chonburi got the better of PTT Rayong in a game delayed from Matchday 28. Caion was clinical in exploiting defensive lapses from the visitors all evening and is now tied for third place in the league's top scorer rankings.

Striker

Name: Alberto "Beto" Goncalves

Age: 38

Nationality: Indonesia/Brazil

Club: Madura United

Chosen by the Liga 1 operator as the Player of the Week for Matchweek 21, Beto scored a brace for Madura United in their latest away game against PSS Sleman. Aging like fine wine, Beto kept on scoring as he helped Madura remain competitive in the Liga 1 title race against leaders Bali United and 2nd placed TIRA-Persikabo.