Thailand beat Singapore 3-2, Hudson calls Theerathon the best player.
New manager Anthony Hudson won his debut match 3-2 against Singapore, praising Theerathon Bunmathan as the best player after he scored a goal and played both as a midfielder and left-back.
The Thai national team kicked off Anthony Hudson's era with a 3-2 victory over Singapore in a FIFA Days friendly on the evening of November 13th, with Theerathon Bunmathan making a standout impression. After more than a year's absence, the veteran defender immediately scored and was hailed by the new coach as the "best player" at the national team level.
The goal that marked Theerathon's return.
The friendly match was arranged to prepare for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifying clash against Sri Lanka. Thailand scored three goals through Sarach Yooyen, Theerathon Bunmathan, and Seksan Ratree to defeat Singapore 3-2. This was Anthony Hudson's first match as head coach after replacing Ishii Masatada.
Notably, this also marked Theerathon's return to the Thai national team after more than a year without being called up. His presence immediately made a difference with a goal, both as a confirmation of his class and a message about his familiar leadership role.
Anthony Hudson's tactical perspective
Hudson used Theerathon flexibly between the two lines, starting in midfield before adjusting him to the left wing in the second half. Commenting on his player, the Thailand national team coach said: "The quality of Theerathon Bunmathan can show excellent form in the position of midfielder or left back. I still maintain that Theerathon is still the best player. He plays in midfield with confidence and courage to control the ball and can join the attack to score at any time. In the second half, I adjusted Theerathon to play left back to defend against the opponent's attacks down the flanks."
Theerathon's deployment allowed Thailand to strengthen their left flank against Singapore's penetrating attacks, while maintaining a solid foundation for building play from the back. His versatility gave Hudson more flexibility in personnel arrangements, balancing control and preserving the advantage.
Theerathon and the obsession of the Vietnamese national team.
For over a decade, Theerathon has been a name that haunts Vietnamese football. According to data from the original article, in official matches featuring Theerathon, the Thai national team has never lost to the Vietnamese national team. All three of Vietnam's most recent victories against Thailand (King's Cup 2019 and two matches under coach Kim Sang Sik) came when he was absent.
The peak of Theerathon's influence was demonstrated at the 2022 AFF Cup: he both created chances and scored the decisive goal, while also controlling the tempo, organizing the defense, and inspiring the entire team on their journey to victory.
Impact ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers
The victory against Singapore and Theerathon's performance give Hudson a clear advantage before facing Sri Lanka in the Asian Cup qualifiers. The return of a key player to top form provides the Thai national team with more tactical options, particularly the ability to switch between midfield and left flank.
Personnel Notes
The original article also mentioned that striker Jude Soonsup-Bell, a former Chelsea player, admitted he still had a chance to play for England but chose to play for Thailand instead.
