KUCHING: Sarawak will unleash their special secret weapon in their “third foreign player” Junior Eldstal against Sime Darby FC at the State Stadium this Friday in a top of the table clash where Sarawak will have a chance to dislodge the league’s table toppers.
Although coach Robert Alberts would rather called him the team’s “eighth local player” rather than their third foreign signing, he did admit that Junior or Putera Nadher Amarhan as he is called in his passport could be Albert’s ace against a formidable opponent.
Junior, who only played bit parts in the past four matches including the FA quarterfinals tie against Kelantan, has now shown that he is ready to play in the Premier League matches, according to the coach.
In the last match against KL SPA Putrajaya FC, Alberts had planned to field him earlier in the start of the second half but when they were 0-1 down, he had to wait a little longer before bringing him in as a substitute.
His entry to the game added more strength to the defence as he was able to dictate the game well, and the winning goal from a headed goal by Bobby Gonzales was a result of his headed pass to the Sabah-born striker.
“He is the eighth local player in the team,” quipped Alberts trying to deflect the belief that Junior is like the foreign players who are a class above the local players.
“He has been defending well and there is an advantage for the team with his additional contributions brought into the team as his passing is good for the high balls,” said Alberts who hinted that he will probably start in the first eleven.
With him slated into the first eleven, key player like captain Shahrol Saperi may be sacrificed as the other two foreign players in Guy Bwele and Bosnian Muamer Silabasic will occupy the other two places in central midfield.
Alberts said with Junior coming into the frame, there is more competition for places like the midfield and it is a healthy sign.
The Dutch coach said in the last match, there was a little shortcoming in the Bwele-Silabasic combination as he expected more from the duo to provide the strength in midfield.
It would be more in terms of contributions and controlling the game in midfield for against Sime Darby this Friday, he expects the foreign trio of Bwele, Silabasic and Junior to form a mighty triangle to bring the Sarawak game to another level.
Source: New Sarawak Tribune
