Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on the Brink of History-Making AFC Champions League Run
KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) – A local football analyst believes that Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have what it takes to overcome Thailand’s Buriram United and make history by advancing to the quarter-finals of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) competition.
A Winning Formula
Mohd Rizar Mohd Noor, a football analyst and sports writer, is convinced that JDT have their own unique abilities to sink Buriram in the return leg of their round-of-16 match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor on Tuesday (March 11). The teams drew the first-leg tie 0-0 at the Buriram Stadium in Thailand on March 4.
"The teams are evenly matched, and the key to success lies in their ability to adapt to the conditions," Mohd Rizar said. "If JDT coach Hector (Bidoglio) adopted a defensive approach in the first leg due to the pitch condition, then the return leg should be a different ball game altogether. He will opt for an attacking lineup as this is a do-or-die game."
Tactical Switch
Mohd Rizar believes that JDT will make a tactical switch in the return leg, unleashing their strongest team to take on Buriram. "There is a possibility that Juan Muniz may be in the starting 11 while Samu Castillejo should start as JDT unleash their strongest team," he said.
Containing the Opposition’s Threat
Ahead of the return leg tie, dubbed the clash between two Southeast Asian giants, Mohd Rizar emphasized the need for JDT to be vigilant of the threat posed by the deadly attacking triumvirate of Suphanat Mueanta, Martin Boakye, and Guilherme Bissoli. "JDT must watch the movement of Suphanat. If they can keep him quiet, they can nullify the threat posed by Buriram, who are coached by Osmar Loss. Having said that, Boakye and Bissoli must also be contained," he said.
The X-Factor
The presence of former Valencia and AC Milan hitman Castillejo would give JDT coach Bidoglio more options upfront should he decide to rest Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi. "In the first-leg tie, I found that Arif Aiman was kind of confused when Castillejo also occupied the same space on the field. Hector must use these two players wisely. For me, I’d prefer to rest Arif Aiman for the return leg," Mohd Rizar said.
Conclusion
JDT’s chances of success in the ACL Elite competition depend on their ability to adapt to the conditions, contain the opposition’s threat, and utilize their strongest team. With a strong lineup and a tactical switch, JDT can make history by advancing to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the key to JDT’s success in the return leg?
A: Adapting to the conditions and unleashing their strongest team.
Q: How can JDT contain the opposition’s threat?
A: By keeping a close eye on Suphanat Mueanta and containing Martin Boakye and Guilherme Bissoli.
Q: What is the role of Samu Castillejo in JDT’s strategy?
A: He will start as JDT unleash their strongest team, providing an additional attacking option for JDT coach Hector Bidoglio.
Q: Can Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi rise to the occasion?
A: Yes, he has a knack for doing so, but it is uncertain whether he will start in the return leg.
Q: Who are the top scorers in the ACL Elite competition?
A: Anderson Lopes, Jasir Fadil Asani, and Salem Mohammed Shafi Al Dawsari with seven goals each, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Riyad Mahrez with six goals each.