Thailand team is missing a series of key players
At the AFF Cup 2020, Chanathip showed his outstanding class to help the Thai team return to the top of Southeast Asian football. He scored 4 goals, 2 in the semi-finals, 2 in the final, winning the title of co-Top Scorer and Best Player of the tournament.
More than a year later, Chanathip is absent. But the Thai team still has another star, who also dominated the J1 League, Theerathon. This right-back was unexpectedly pushed into the middle by coach Alexandre Polking to play as a central midfielder and shone brightly. Not only did he have many sharp assists and passes, he also scored the only goal in the second leg of the final, helping the Thai team defeat the Vietnamese team and win the championship. After that, he also became the best player of the tournament.
The moment Theerathon scored against Dang Van Lam at Thammasat Stadium
PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG
But now, Chanathip and Theerathon are both absent from the AFF Cup 2024. Many people may mistakenly think that this duo was not called up because of their declining form. Chanathip is 31 years old, and Theerathon is 34 years old, but this duo still shows their class in the club shirt. This season, Chanathip has 3 goals, 6 assists after 17 matches in all competitions, too good for an attacking midfielder. Meanwhile, Theerathon has 1 goal, 6 assists, also after 17 matches. Even in the AFC Champions League Elite, this left-back also played well, contributing to helping Buriram United finish 6th and still have many opportunities to continue.
In addition to these two "playmakers", the Thai team is also missing many other key players such as strikers Teerasil Dangda, Supachai Jaided, midfielders Sarach Yooyen, Channarong, center back Elias Dolah, defender Sasalak Haiprakhon... All are experienced players, possessing good form but must be absent because they have to serve their clubs, and the AFF Cup 2024 takes place outside of FIFA Days.
But don't underestimate the Thai team.
The strength of the Thai team has certainly declined, but they are certainly still a formidable opponent. First, coach Masatada Ishii has prepared for the inability to use the pillars. In recent training sessions, he proactively did not call up stars like Chanathip, Theerathon or Dangda to give opportunities to new faces. From there, the Japanese strategist can carefully evaluate the ability of this group of players. As a result, the Thai team still has a number of new, reliable players like Jonathan Khemdee, William Weidersjo, Patrik Gustavsson...
Weerathep is a very good central midfielder for the Thai national team. He can also play well as a center back.
PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG
In addition, the Thai team still has many experienced players who have won the AFF Cup such as the two brothers Supachok Sarachat - Suphanat Muenta; midfielder Weerathep Pomphan, who was once interested in the Urawa Red Diamonds Club (Japan); center-back Pansa Hemviboon; right-back Nicholas Mickelson, a former teammate of Erling Haaland... These players are of enough quality for coach Ishii to build a framework for the "War Elephants".
And with a solid framework, the Thai team is still a formidable opponent for both the Vietnamese and Indonesian teams.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khong-chanathip-lan-theerathon-doi-tuyen-thai-lan-co-buong-aff-cup-185241126140649027.htm
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