Badhri Radzi’s absence from the national squad preparing to face Chelsea next Sunday has opened the way for Sarawak midfielder Junior Eldstal to impress coach K. Rajagobal.
A relative newcomer to the Malaysian football scene, the physically-imposing Junior is not built in the normal mold of a local player and will offer Rajagobal a variety of options.
Junior, born in Sabah to a Swedish father and Malaysian mother, is only 21 and spent his formative years in England before joining Premier League champions Sarawak in the April transfer window.
He did well enough to earn a national call up and Amri Yahyah believes his new national teammate, whose real name is Putera Nadher Amarhan Maderner, will do well for Malaysia.
“I think he has settled and is working well with the players here,” said Amri, one of the most senior players in the national team.
“You look at his size (1.87m) and you feel that he will give us an advantage when we need a physical presence.
“If he is playing in midfield, he can control the ball. If he plays upfront, he can hold the ball up and allow other players to join the attack.
“He is in good physical shape and I hope he does well.”
Junior’s first outing in national colours will be against Thai club Chonburi on Tuesday in Bukit Jalil which Rajagobal will use to select his starting XI to take on Chelsea in Shah Alam.
“With several new players coming in, I hope we will be able to play well and get a positive result,” said Amri, who memorably scored twice in Malaysia’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester United in 2009 and will be facing Chelsea a second time.
“International football is a different level and is more physical so we need to be more aggressive, play at a faster pace and stay focused all the time.”
Rajagobal said he may leave Safee Sali out of the Chonburi match as the striker is struggling with a groin injury.
“It is not serious, it may take one or two days but even if he does not recover for the Chelsea match, he should be ready for the Japan tour,” said Rajagobal.
After playing Chelsea, the national team embark on a three-match club tour of Japan before returning home to prepare for the visit of Spanish champions Barcelona on Aug 10.
-NST
