Identifying Malaysia's 5 most dangerous players.

Forward Norshahrul Talaha

To date, the player wearing the number 9 jersey has scored 5 goals in the 2018 AFF Cup (ranking second after Adisak Kraisorn of Thailand). Norshahrul Tahala possesses almost all the necessary qualities of a top-class striker, so stopping the forward born in 1986 is no easy task.

Norshahrul Talaha celebrates his goal against Thailand. Photo: Internet

Besides his excellent positioning and diverse finishing abilities with his left foot, right foot, and even headers, Norshahrul Talaha is also Malaysia's most experienced player in this year's AFF Cup (32 years old). Successfully neutralizing Norshahrul Talaha would significantly reduce the attacking power of the "Malay Tigers".

Right winger Mohamadou Sumareh

It's no exaggeration to say that Malaysia's number 13 midfielder is one of the best-performing players at the 2018 AFF Cup so far. Although he hasn't scored a goal for his team yet, Mohamadou Sumareh's contribution to Malaysia's overall play is immense.

A ball contest between Mohamadou Sumareh and Doan Van Hau. Photo: Internet

The first naturalized player in the history of Malaysian football, Mohamadou Sumareh always plays energetically on the right wing with his quick dribbling and incredibly dangerous crosses. In the group stage match, he made things very difficult and troublesome for Doan Van Hau and Que Ngoc Hai.

Left winger Safawi Rasid

The recent performances of the player wearing the number 11 jersey have been quite disappointing. With no goals and no assists, Safawi Rasid has been Malaysia's weakest performer at the 2018 AFF Cup so far. This has come as a surprise to football experts and fans in Malaysia.

Safawi Rasid is currently the brightest talent in Malaysian football. Photo: Internet

However, this shouldn't lead to underestimating the potential of the player born in 1997. Don't forget, Safawi Rasid scored a brace against the South Korean Olympic team at the 18th Asian Games. Therefore, the responsibility placed on right-back Nguyen Trong Hoang is considerable.

Forward Zaquan Adha

Playing alongside Norshahrul Talaha in attack, the player wearing number 8 has also scored 3 goals for coach Tan Cheng Hoe's team (equal to the goalscoring record of Nguyen Anh Duc and Nguyen Cong Phuong). Zaquan Adha is truly a threat to the Vietnamese national team's defense.

Zaquan Adha is currently the captain of the Malaysian national team. Photo: Internet

Not only is he dangerous in his goal-scoring ability and in supporting his teammates in attack, the striker born in 1987 is also the spiritual leader of the team at Bukit Jalil Stadium. At the age of 31, Zaquan Adha possesses ample experience and cunning in his playing style.

Left winger Akhyar Rashid

Just like Nguyen Cong Phuong of the Vietnamese national team, in Malaysia right now, the midfielder wearing number 19 is a "super substitute," a trump card in coach Tan Cheng Hoe's arsenal. Every time he's brought on as a substitute, Akhyar Rashid creates a breakthrough in the "Malay Tigers'" playing style.

Akhyar Rashid during the match against the Vietnam national team. Photo: Internet

With his skillful technique and intelligent play, the 1999-born player frequently displays dazzling dribbling and speed down the left wing. His performances in the matches against Myanmar (group stage) and Thailand (two matches in the semi-finals) are clear evidence of this.