Akhyar, you are not Messi
AKHYAR Rashid should stop playing like Lionel Messi as he is nowhere near the Argentine in terms of skill, power and speed.
If the 20-year-old hopes to have a successful career, he should put aside his individual approach and learn to become a team player. So far, the forward has failed to spark in the Sea Games.
Akhyar may be a rising star and can turn match winner with his individual skill but he needs to pass the ball more often to his teammates.
If he can’t become a team player, he should quit football and try composing or singing songs. There have been many videos of Akhyar on social media singing ‘Hindi’ songs, and maybe he should look at the entertainment industry as a career option.
In Friday’s 1-0 defeat to the Philippines, Akhyar made poor decisions in attack. In several instances, Akhyar indulged in showing off his skill instead of making early passes, which could have created more chances for Malaysia.
Coach Ong Kim Swee seriously needs to reevaluate whether Akhyar should be taking the field again when Malaysia play Timor Leste on Monday and Cambodia two days later.
After the defeat at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Akhyar said he felt upset. “It is tough to accept this defeat. I hope we can learn from this and bounce back.
“We need to show more maturity and perform well in our remaining matches,” he said.
Akhyar revealed that Kim Swee was a quiet man after the final whistle in the dressing room.
“Our coach wasn’t angry. He told us not to be sad with the result and also reminded that we still have a chance to reach the semi-finals.”
Akhyar said Kim Swee played the right strategy but luck was not with the team.