Southeast Asia Thailand

Thai League Team of the Year 2019

The 2019 Thai League has been a remarkable campaign of twist and turns; of fallen giants and new champions. Football Tribe’s Gian Chansrichawla and Obb Deewajin pick their best eleven from one of the most remarkable seasons in Thai League history:

Goalkeeper

Name: Michael Falkesgaard

Age: 28

Nationality: Philippines

Club: Bangkok United

For the second year running, Michael Falkesgaard has been the best goalkeeper in the division. He has bailed out the side defensively on numerous occasions with incredible saves. His role in distributing and sweeping for Mano Polking's attacking side has been admirable once again.

Defender

Name: Nitipong Selanon

Age: 26

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Port FC

Nitipong Selanon has always been Port FC's "Mr.Reliable" but the right-back seemed to have added extra quality to his overall game this season. Defense has never been an issue with Nitipong and the 26-year-old can sometimes operate as a temporary inverted-fullback, allowing the opposite fullback to advance forward without giving up the team's stability. Nitipong played a key role in keeping Port FC in the title race until match-day 29 and he impressed on his debut with the Thai national team.

Defender

Name: Brinner Henrique

Age: 32

Nationality: Brazil

Club: Chiangrai United

Signed from the relegated Ubon United, Brinner Henrique was quick to solidify himself in the heart of Chiangrai United defense. The Brazilian center-back is quick, agile and comfortable in a back-3 or back-4 system - adding to the Beetles flexibility which one of the club's biggest strength that helped them land the league title.

Defender

Name: Elias Dolah

Age: 26

Nationality: Thailand/Sweden

Club: Port FC

Dolah overcame many of his critics this season, playing almost every game for Port this season and becoming their stalwart at the back. Despite missing captain David Rochela for much of the season, the Klongtoei lions seemed unfazed by his absence due in large part to Dolah's consistent performances.

Defensive Midfielder

Name: Phitiwat Sukjitthamakul

Age: 24

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Chiangrai United

The engine room behind Chiangrai's success has had a remarkable campaign. Phitiwat was not even in the conversation to make the Thai National Team squad at the AFC Asian Cup but is now an undroppable member of Akira Nishino's Starting XI. Chiangrai have been the major beneficiary of Phitiwat's rapid growth, sealing their first-ever Thai League title this year.

Central Midfielder

Name: Go Suel-Ki

Age: 33

Nationality: South Korea

Club: Port FC

Go Suel-Ki was the X factor in Port FC's midfield. The South Korean's composure on the ball helped his side out of countless sticky situations. His passing, vision and ability to dictate tempo connect the whole team together. There is no other midfielder like Go in the league.

Central Midfielder

Name: Siwakorn Tiatrakul

Age: 25

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Chiangrai United

This season, the skillful midfielder put in a consistent performance to establish himself as one of the key members of Chiangrai United's title-winning side. Siwakorn kicked off the campaign as a number ten or in wide positions, before taking on the deep-lying playmaker role with the arrival of Ekanit Panya. His goal away at Chonburi FC, where he pinged the ball wide before making his way to score on the edge of the box is a complete representation of Siwakorn's all-round quality.

Attacking Midfielder

Name: Supachok Sarachart

Age: 21

Nationality: Thailand

Club: Buriram United

Supachok Sarachat had some huge shoes to fill following the departure of Thai League legend Diogo Luís Santo, and the 21-year-old attacker responded by becoming Buriram United's top scorer (9 goals) and the league's second-highest scoring Thai player. Supachok had to adapt his game to a more striker-like role and to be able to do so in a team with very little room for mistakes is a great achievement.

Right Winger

Name: William Henrique

Age: 27

Nationality: Brazil

Club: Chiangrai United

Previously criticized as a skillful but ineffectual player with limited end product, William burst into life at just the right moments to help Chiangrai United win their first title. The Brazilian put in a handful of masterclass performances (see their crucial wins against Buriram United at home or Samut Prakan City away for example) showing that he can go above and beyond when he is on his day.

Left Winger

Name: Heberty Fernandes

Age: 31

Nationality: Brazil

Club: Muangthong United

In a season of ups and downs for the Kirin, Heberty still registered 16 assists, which was by far best in the league. The Brazilian also topped Muangthong United's scoring charts with 14 goals. His finesse and eye for goal make him a threat in many positions. His long-range winner in extra-time against Bangkok United is a contender for goal of the season and one that many credit for sparking the club's momentum upwards.

Striker

Name: Lonsana Doumboya

Age: 29

Nationality: Guinea

Club: Trat FC

After netting an impressive 16 goals in his debut Thai League season with Prachuap, Doumbouya surprised many by joining newly-promoted Trat FC instead of one of the league's bigger sides. The former Guinea international had no issues adapting to life at his new club, netting 20 goals from 29 appearances to finish as the Thai League's top scorer this season.

Honorable Mentions

Nelson Bonilla - Age 29 - El Salvador - Bangkok United

Ekkanit Panya - Age 20 - Thailand - Chiangrai United

Peeradol Chamrasamee - Age 26 - Thailand - Samut Prakan City FC

Oh Ban-Suk - Age 31 - South Korea - Muangthong United

Adnan Orahovac - Age 28 - Montenegro - Prachuap FC

Sasalak Haiprakon - Age 23 - Thailand - Buriram United

Jakkapan Pornsai - Age 32 - Thailand - Ratchaburi FC

Siwarak Tedsungnoen - Age 35 - Thailand - Buriram United