'Thai Messi' wants to win all eight 2022 World Cup qualifiers
Chanathip Songkrasin is confident about Thailand's ability to advance despite being in the same group with Vietnam, UAE, Indonesia and Malaysia.
"My goal is to help the national team top Group G. I want to win all the matches," Chanathip told the newspaper.Bangkok Posttoday 13/8
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Chanathip is one of the most important players in Thai football today. Photo:Reuters. |
In the second qualifying round of the Asian region, Thailand is in Group G with Vietnam, UAE, Indonesia and Malaysia. On September 5, they will play their first match at home against Vietnam.
Along with Theerathon Bunmathan and Thitiphan Puangjan, Chanathip is one of three Thai players currently playing in the Japanese championship. They are considered important factors in every campaign of the national team of the Golden Temple country.
Thailand has an advantage in that new coach Akira Nishino comes from Japan. In addition to his experience in top-level football, most recently leading his country to the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup, Nishino also has had plenty of time and opportunity to directly observe the three players above.
Commenting on Nishino, Chanathip said: "No matter who leads the national team, we respect and try to learn. We have to adjust ourselves to adapt to their tactics."
The second round of Asian qualifying consists of eight groups. The eight group winners and four best runners-up advance to the final round. Thailand has qualified for the second round, but has never qualified for the World Cup.
Chanathip has played for Consadole since January 2017 and is considered successful. According to the pageTransfer Mark, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder is valued at around 2.2 million euros (about $2.46 million), ranking him among the 10 most valuable players in Japan's top league. Topping the list isAndres Iniesta (5.5 million euros), and a few other famous names likeFernando Torres (2.5 million euros).
