Syamer ready to combine with any midfielders against Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: “I’m prepared to play with anyone in the middle of the park.”

Those were the words of Malaysian midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba, who said he was prepared to play with either Akram Mahinan or D. Kenny Pallraj in tomorrow’s AFF Suzuki Cup first-leg, semi-final match against Thailand at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

In a recent report, national coach Tan Cheng Hoe said he would rotate his defensive midfield combinations during training sessions and would only decide on his preferred midfield pairing on game day.

Cheng Hoe has used Akram and Syamer in most of the group matches, but Syamer said he is prepared to play with anyone for the sake of the team.

“I’ll heed the coach’s instructions. If he wants me to play with any of the two or opt for Akram and Kenny in midfield, I’m fine with it,” said the 21-year-old Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player.

“For me, the team come first. The rotation training has given me some experience and I’ve learnt a lot.

“But whoever is best will play for the team. “My momentum is good and I just need to keep it going. I’m ready to give my best against Thailand,” he said, adding that the players believe that they have what it takes to beat the Thais.

He admitted that the players felt the pressure when it was announced that they would face Thailand in the semi-finals but encouraging words from Cheng Hoe certainly helped them.

“The coach has told us not to be scared and just play our game. Training has been good and the players are really motivated,” said Syamer.

Syamer has been accused by some fans on social media for being too safe in games and not trying to impose himself in attack.

However, against Myanmar, the young man from Penang played as a box-to-box midfielder and impressed with his energy, determination and ability to help out in attack.

“Against Myanmar, I felt very confident. Game by game, I am improving.”

“There will be criticism. If it’s constructive, I’m all ears. I’m young and I want to learn. Football gives me motivation and I’m always driven to do better in this sport.”