Check out who made our picks for this week’s SEA Best XI:
Goalkeeper
Name: Nguyen Tuan Manh
Age: 29
Nationality: Vietnam
Club: Sanna Khanh Hoa
Fantastic. That is all we can say about Tuan Manh's performance against Ho Chi Minh City. He made at least five critical saves, including an unbelievable stop in the 80th minute. His fine form helped Khanh Hoa pick up an unexpected win at the home of the (former) league leaders.
Defender
Name: Suphanan Bureerat
Age: 25
Nationality: Thailand
Club: Muangthong United
Kirin fans know that Suphanan can get forward, but what many were pleased to see was his defensive solidity and composure; especially in 1-v-1 duals against the pacey Amadou Ouattara. The 25-year-old's form seems to be on the rise since the appointment of head coach Alexandre Gama, and it was evidenced once again as Muangthong beat Nakhon Ratchasima FC 2-0.
Defender
Name: Shakir Hamzah
Age: 26
Nationality: Singapore
Club: Kedah FA
He already proved himself in Malaysia Super League and now wanted to keep his momentum going. Singapore is lucky enough to have him in their national team. He is strong, has a great ability to read the game and even scored a goal for Kedah in the first round of the Malaysia Cup.
Defender
Name: Hamka Hamzah
Age: 35
Nationality: Indonesia
Club: Arema FC
The leader and the talisman helped his side through a tough schedule, as they played two league games last week. Singo Edan smashed Persib 5-1 in Week 4's delayed game and got an intense 2-2 draw against Persija.
Central Midfielder
Name: Brendan Gan
Age: 31
Nationality: Malaysia
Club: Perak FA
His ability to penetrate the defense has always been his strength, and Perak are once again reaping the awards of his talent. His goal against Sabah helped the side open the tournament with a win.
Central Midfielder
Name: Ady Setiawan
Age: 24
Nationality: Indonesia
Club: Barito Putera
Out of nowhere, Ady scored the winning goal for Barito Putera against Persib Bandung in injury time, giving hope for Laskar Antasari and inflicting a third consecutive loss on Maung Bandung.
Right Midfielder
Name: Lossemy Karaboue
Age: 31
Nationality: France/Ivory Coast
Club: Ratchaburi FC
Lossemy Karaboue ran the midfield with his tremendous energy and passing ability. He scored the opener, finishing off Ratchaburi FC’s nice counter-attacking break. This is the first time in four encounters that the Dragon's managed to come away with a point against Chiangrai United, knocking them off the top spot in the process.
Left Midfielder
Name: Nguyen Van Quyet
Age: 28
Nationality: Vietnam
Club: Hanoi FC
He scored two goals in two important matches against Binh Duong in both AFC Cup and V.League, helping Hanoi achieve two wins.
Forward
Name: Melvin Platje
Age: 30
Nationality: Netherlands
Club: Bali United
He scored the only goal for Bali United, keeping the title race interesting as they beat PSM Makassar and claimed the top for a few hours before it was taken back by PS TIRA-Persikabo
Forward
Name: Diogo
Age: 32
Nationality: Brazil
Club: Johor Darul Ta'zim
Diogo Luis Santo scored another goal for JDT in the opening match of Malaysia Cup. Having already lifted the Super League title, Malaysia's biggest club will be looking to make up for last year's failing in the Malaysia cup with the help of their Brazilian goalscorer.
Forward
Name: Caique Lemes
Age: 26
Nationality: Brazil
Club: Chiangmai FC
There was quite a hype when Chiangrai United signed Caique Lemes from the Portuguese top-flight only for the striker to be immediately loaned-out to Chiangmai FC. It took him a while to settle but after 4 league starts, Caique finally gets his first goal in Thailand. In fact, he scored twice as the Lanna Tigers earned an impressive away point against fellow relegation strugglers Chainat Hornbill FC.