The attacking midfielder is a key player for J1 League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo but could miss out on the next national team call-up according to Thailand head coach Akira Nishino.
“I’ve my eyes on the J League during my time in Japan, especially the 4 Thai players there,” Akira told Changsuek “Chanathip Songkrasin of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Theerathon Bunmathan of Yokohama F Marinos is performing well whereas Teerasil Dangda of Shimizu S-Pulse and Kawin Thamsatchanan of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo needs to fight harder for that starting spot.”
“The regulations regarding international games is complicated hence our decision not to call-up the 4 players abroad but turn to domestic players instead.”
Nishino returned to Thailand in August and was present at PAT Stadium on Sunday as Port FC takes on Police Tero FC. Thailand is due to schedule friendlies in October and November and Nishino has said he’ll be using that opportunity to grade players ahead of the 2021 AFF Suzuki.
As for Chanathip, he has featured in 14 from 16 possible J1 League this season, scoring 1 and creating 5 assists. However, Consa is currently going through a massive drip in form – having failed to pick up a win 9 games.
