Football: Red Sports’ first XI for Singapore LionsXII

By Amir Yusof/Red Sports

The starting XI for Singapore LionsXII against Johor in the team’s first pre-season friendly. (Photo courtesy of FAS)

Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 2011 — With the much anticipated return of a Singapore team to the Malaysian Super League and Malaysia Cup in 2012, Red Sports took a first look at the Singapore LionsXII players who took to the field in the 2-3 loss to second-tier Malaysian Premier League team Johor FA.

Although the players will likely be rotated due to injuries, form and National Service throughout the season, our starting XI is based on a mix of the players’ international experience, their inherent footballing qualities and those who impressed in the game against Johor.

Goalkeeper: Izwan Mahmud
The young custodian impressed for the senior national team with a string of brilliant saves in this year’s 6-4 aggregate victory over Malaysia in a second round World Cup Qualifier. A confident and solid goalkeeper is what any team needs and Izwan fits the bill. However, he does face stiff competition from ex-SAF FC goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Jumaat.

Centre Backs: Baihakki Khaizan & Safuwan Baharudin
This central defence partnership is really a no brainer. The pair has invaluable national team experience with Baihakki part of the 2007 ASEAN football championship-winning side, while Safuwan was one of the few players that impressed in the senior Lions World Cup Qualifying this year. The more seasoned Baihakki will look to bring invaluable experience from his stint in the Indonesian league with Persiba Bandung and Medan Chiefs in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Left Back: Shaiful Esah
The left back is widely known for his dead ball ability and will be deadly in corners and free kick situations. However his lack of defensive positioning and pace may leave the team vulnerable from counter attacks.

Right Back: Juma’at Jantan
A utility player that can play on either flank, Juma’at was part of the SEA Games squad in 2007 that clinched bronze. Although he failed to impressed in the 2-3 loss to Johor where his lack of pace was repeatedly exposed by skillful opponents, the naturally left-sided player is the Lions XII first choice with squad player Raihan Rahman not yet ready for first team football.

Holding Midfielders: Isa Halim and Hariss Harun
This solid partnership in the centre of the pitch will be crucial in both defensive situations as well as playmaking. Isa is an experienced international with 22 caps to his name while Hariss is Singapore’s golden boy. The 21-year old, who was the youngest player to don the national team colours when he was just 16 years and 217 days old, is a strong tackler with outstanding physical attributes for a player in this region. Appointed vice-captain by coach V Sundramoorthy, one major stumbling block is that Hariss is still serving national service and as such, will probably miss some games.

Left Wing: Khairul Amri
Arguably the team’s most technically gifted player, Khairul Amri is a quality player with unfulfilled potential. Since scoring the superb winner that won Singapore the 2007 ASEAN Football Championship, Amri has failed to perform on a consistent basis. His career has been blighted by injuries and Amri is currently recovering from a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that has kept him out for 5 months. He is likely to return to action only at the end of January 2012. Meanwhile, youngster Fazli Ayob, who impressed with pace and direct running against Johor, is likely to start till then.

Right Wing: Yasir Hanapi
The ex-Geylang United winger is likely to start for the LionsXII after also impressing against Johor. Offensively skillful and dangerous, Yasir needs to develop the defensive side of his game and continually track back so as not to constantly leave Juma’at Jantan isolated.

Supporting Striker: Shahril Ishak
Shahril is the LionsXII skipper and playmaker. Playing behind the target-man where he is given freedom to roam around the pitch, Shahril is the LionXII’s key to unlocking defences. It was his brilliant through balls against Johor that brought about the two goals. Shahril is also a vocal skipper, constantly shouting instructions to his teammates. Thus, Shahril’s presence in this competition is crucial if the team are to achieve success.

Centre Forward: Agu Casmir
Don’t call it a comeback. The prolific forward was suspended from the national squad by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for a year and fined $20,000 for his behaviour involving Indonesian club Persija Jakarta. Agu had signed a contract with Persija in 2006 but subsequently failed to report for training, claiming he was attending football trials with Russia.

However, the target man is now back and determined to prove his worth. Although he has lost the blistering pace he once had, Agu has developed a new side to his game, holding up the ball for his teammates and contributing in assists as well as goals. With 13 goals in 35 caps for the national squad, Agu is an invaluable centre forward and could prove to be a good mentor for promising forward Khairul Nizam.

The LionsXII kick off their first game of the Malaysian League season against defending champions Kelantan on January 10th at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Looking for the LionsXII’s fixtures? All here: Singapore LionsXII fixtures

Who are your preferred starting XI for the Singapore LionsXII?