|
RAPID RISE: Young Lions defender Afiq is considered one of S'pore's brightest talents. He is one of the few left-footed centre-backs to don national colours in recent years. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
|
AFIQ Yunos is something of a rarity among the Lions.
He is the first left-footed centre-back in the national team since the likes of Robin Chitrakar (2003) and the late Borhan Abu Samah (1997).
National coach Raddy Avramovic surprised many when he drafted the 17-year-old into the national team on Monday.
But the Serb said that the teenager deserves the call-up.
Said Avramovic: 'Afiq is a really promising youngster and he is something that the national team have been missing for many years - a left-footed centre-back.
'Being naturally left-footed, he will not be awkward when he needs to clear the ball with his left boot, which is a useful asset in a defensive partnership.
'Even when he was with the National Football Academy last year, I wanted to call him up but eventually, I felt that he needed some S-League experience.
'He has good technique and distributes the ball well. ''
Representing the Young Lions in the S-League this year, Afiq played just 12 games before getting the national call-up.
But the ITE Simei student had already shown much promise. He was promoted to the Under-18s from the U-16s last year, skipping a season with the U-17s.
Afiq is, however, not the youngest to be called up to the national team. That honour belongs to his former U-16 teammate Hariss Harun, who was 16 when he made his Lions debut last year.
Afiq admits he is still learning the game.
He said: 'I feel I can pass the ball well and I have enough pace to cope with fast opponents. But I need to learn not to lose concentration easily and need to command the area better.'
He is quick on the ground, despite the strapping defender standing at a towering 1.86m and weighing 79kg.
He puts his height down to a growth spurt he experienced during his days at Hong Kah Secondary School.
'I was of average build in primary school,'' Afiq recalled.
'But when I hit 14, my growth averaged 3cm every six months.''
However, Afiq, who will turn 18 on Dec 10, is unlikely to start in the Lions' remaining World Cup qualifying fixtures next month.
Said Avramovic: 'He is still young and hopefully, will be a part of the national team for a long time.''
meng@sph.com.sg
|
