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Playing competitive soccer or being offered a professional contract by a European club should be the aspiration of each Malaysian footballer. They would need to infuse ambition to develop a career and travel overseas for further opportunities to play for any country in Europe. Whether in a known league or a less known league, the players should be enterprising enough to try. It would be quite unfortunate if they are satisfied to play and enjoy the local leagues.
Local players need to be aware that, with the level of a local league, they will not develop in terms of technique, tactics, and lifestyle of a professional footballer. For a start, the local players could try their luck in the leagues around Asia; however, if an opportunity arises to play in Europe, the players must grab it with both hands.
Here are 5 reasons why I think Malaysia should send their players to play abroad.
1. Wax their playing skills
Playing in a European league requires pace and skills. Football being a skill-based sport, is all about technique, decision making and creative play. It has an aerobic foundation but is mainly a continuous, multi-directional, multi-pace and an energetic sport. These are a few aspects in which Malaysian football is certainly deficient in. Skills in football are really essential to ensure an interesting and competitive game of football. The only way to compete against the European teams is by emulating their skills.
Players in Malaysia don’t have physical strength like Europeans, because of their small size but could compete skill-wise just like the South American players, who compete against the Europeans using their skills, not strength. Playing abroad might be the best way for local players to develop their skills.
2. Increase the competition for regular places in the team
With experienced and talented players increasing in the European squads, the chances for Malaysian players to get into the team’s starting XI is quite competitive. Competition in football is of significant importance to mould a good footballer. Competition allows players involved to perform to their best ability. With the amount of competition the players are likely to face in the European Leagues, they will take the correct measures to cement their spot in the starting XI. Thus, competition plays an essential role in the players’ development.
3. Exposure to different style of football
Currently in Malaysia, the footballers are only playing football mechanically; nothing more than that. They don’t take the initiative to improve their style of playing. Football in Europe is known for its trickery and fast flowing attacking style of play and is considered a reflection of the European countries. For example, Spanish football, is entertaining, with pace and the balance of attack and defense is clearly visible. Malaysian players should adapt to that kind of football to improve the country’s football quality.
4. Better training methods
The training methods applied in European Leagues and that in Malaysia, are greatly contrasting. Their physical and mental approach are things that the local Malaysian coaches should take note of. European Leagues have better training facilities and coaching and they without a doubt, improve the players’ condition. To play football, you need supreme physical condition and fitness.
Over the years, several different footballers from different countries have tried this and have changed their outlook as an outcome. The training methods abroad will also help the players in being more disciplined, as it helps them to adapt to their training pace. It is a must for Malaysia to utilize better training methods to reflect the ever changing demands of the game.
5. Gain valuable experience
Players such as Safee Sali, Irfan Fazail, Fadhli Shas and Wan Zack Haikal are the first group of Malaysian players that took up the opportunity to display their talent in Europe. These players consider foreign experiences positive and made it clear that players who are able to adapt to the game abroad can have a positive impact on the team as well. They have to perform everyday in Europe, and that constant commitment will add dynamism to the team. These players who managed to display their talent in Europe, certainly deserve credit for helping the national squad to improve with their vast experience.
