The Best Suzuki Cup Starting XI From the Years 2008-2014

14 February 2017 12:41

​Ahead of the 2016 edition, we take a look at the best players to have played in the last four tournaments to make an ultimate starting XI.

​​Taken on a 4-3-1-2 formation, this side is dominated by players from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Let's see who makes the cut...


1. Duong Hong Son (retired)

Vietnamese goalkeeper Duong Hong Son hol...

Country: Vietnam

Last Club: Hanoi T & T FC

Age: 33 years old

Position: Goalkeeper


Undoubtedly the best keeper of the 2008 Suzuki Cup, Son inspired Vietnam to their first ever AFF success that year and he was awarded with the Player of the Tournament gong as a result.

Blessed with great reflexes and always calm on the ball, the Vietnamese legend retired this year at the relatively early age of 33.


2. Mohammad Nasuha

Indonesian's player maman Abdurahman (#5

Country: Indonesia

Last Club: Cilegon United

Age: 32 years old

Position: Left Back


Known for his faultless displays in the 2010 Suzuki Cup, Nasuha helped Indonesia reach the final before they lost to Malaysia. Coached by Alfred Riedl, many saw in Nasuha a Fabio Grosso-esque display that he delivered for Italy in the 2006 World Cup.

Formerly of Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung, the full back is still playing but age and injuries have caught up with the 32-year-old. He is best remembered in Indonesia for playing on with a bloody bandage on his head.


3. Baihakki Khaizan

Singapore v Afghanistan: FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Country: Singapore

Last Club: Johor Darul Ta'zim II

Age: 32 years old

Position: Centre Back


An AFF champion on three occasions; 2004, 2007 and 2012, many feel that Singapore's success in those years would not have happened without Khaizan's leadership at the back. 

At club level, the level-headed central defender played for two of Indonesia's biggest clubs, Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung, and he is still a prominent feature of the Singapore national side to this day.


4. Adison Promrak

ASIAD-2014-FOOTBALL

Country: Thailand

Last Club: Muangthong United

Age: 23 Years

Position: Centre Back


Despite being just 23 years of age, Promrak proved that his exuberance is vital to the Thai national side and he was a big reason for their success in the 2014 Suzuki Cup.

He has won titles at every level of the Thailand national sides and mirrors such performances for Muangthong United too. Geng, as he is commonly known, will be key to his country's chances this year too.


5. Nguyen Minh Duc

FBL-ASIA-SUZUKI-2012

Country: Vietnam

Last Club: Song Lam Nghe An

Age: 33 years old

Position: Right Back


A pivotal part of the Vietnamese national side since 2008, Duc is the perfect full back; tactically astute when defending the ball and equally adept going forward and joining the attack.

He was particularly outstanding in 2008 when Vietnam won their first and only title and the right back was then handed the captain's armband four years alter.


6. Firman Utina

Indonesia's Firman Utina gestures as he

Country: Indonesia

Last Club: Sriwijaya FC

Age: 34 years old

Position: Midfielder


The best playmaker Indonesia have ever produced, Utina has it all; vision, prowess and a lethal shot. As skipper, he led his nation to the 2010 final and was selected as the tournament's best player.

The ageing midfielder has won wide a wide assortment at club level for the likes of Persib Bandung and Sriwijaya, while also being one of the most consistent performers for the national side.


7. Shahril Ishak

Singapore v Cambodia: FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Country: Singapore

Last Club: Johor Darul Takzim II

Age: 32 years old

Position: Midfielder


One of Singapore's star performers over the past decade, Ishak was present at the 2004, 2007 and 2012 AFF tournaments, in which he helped his country to success.

Selected as the Player of the Tournament in 2012, Ishak will once again lead his side as captain this year, with the hope of clinching one final title before he retires from international football.


8. Ngo Hoang Thinh

FBL-AFF-SUZUKI-CUP-PHI-VIE

Country: Vietnam

Last Club: FLC Thanh Hoa

Age: 24 years old

Position: Midfielder


Another player whose young age does not prevent him from propelling himself as one of his nation's best players, this will be Thinh's second Suzuki Cup, having led Vietnam to the semi final stage two years ago.

A four time nominee for Vietnamese Player of the Year, the 24-year-old's energy in the centre of the park will be crucial to his side's success this month.


9. Chanathip Songkrasin

SEAGAMES-2015-SIN-FBL

Country: Thailand

Last Club: Muangthong United

Age: 23 years old

Position: Attacking Midfielder


One of the most gifted players to grace Southeast Asia in recent times, Songkrasin has not even reached his peak yet, which will terrify the rest of the nations taking part in the Suzuki Cup.

The Muangthong United star was in superb form two years ago as Thailand became AFF champions and he will be at ti again this year.


10. Boaz Solossa

Arsenal v Indonesia All-Stars

Country: Indonesia

Last Club: Persipura Jayapura

Age: 30 years old

Position: Striker


Boci has been dominating Indonesian football for over a decade now and spurned a chance to play in Europe, with Dutch side VVV Venlo in 2011, in order to stay in the region.

Blessed with a powerful left foot, the Persipura Jayapura forward is set to captain Indonesia this month, tasked with the challenge of breaking the nation's duck in the competition, having finished as runners-up on four occasions. 


11. Noh Alam Shah

Singapore's Mohamad Noh Alam Shah (R) ce

Country: Singapore

Last Club: Tampines Rovers

Age: 36 years old

Position: Striker


It is hard to arguye about Shah's inclusion in this team, with the Singaporestriker often considered the best striker in the entire region throughout the past decade. He is a two-time winner of the AFF Cup; 2004 and 2007.

The 2007 tournament saw Shah end as Golden Boot winner and as MVP and he remains a hero in his country, having scored 35 goals in 84 international appearances. The 36-year-old is the all-time scorer in Suzuki Cup history.




Source: 90min