Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – As the highly anticipated clash between Vietnam and Malaysia looms, a surprising revelation has emerged from within the V.League. Endrick dos Santos, a Malaysian national team player currently on loan at Ho Chi Minh City FC, has reportedly provided insights into the Vietnamese national team's vulnerabilities to his Malaysian teammates.
Dos Santos, who joined Ho Chi Minh City FC in 2024, has gained a considerable understanding of Vietnamese football during his tenure. This intimate knowledge has led the Brazilian-born naturalized Malaysian to subtly hint at the "Golden Warriors'" weaknesses to the Malaysian squad as they prepare for a decisive match against Vietnam.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Endrick dos Santos stated, "Vietnamese players are fast, strong, and athletic. They play an aggressive game, but they also have weaknesses. I believe Malaysia can exploit these weaknesses."
The 30-year-old midfielder further revealed that his coach at Ho Chi Minh City FC, Phung Thanh Phuong, even encouraged him to perform well for the Malaysian team in this crucial encounter against Vietnam. This seemingly unusual directive underscores the unique position Endrick holds as an "insider" within the V.League.
Despite Malaysia's struggle to secure a victory against Vietnam since 2014, Endrick remains confident that his team can rewrite history. "I trust my teammates. We are in good condition and well-prepared. The upcoming match is expected to be very exciting. We know the Vietnamese team is a formidable opponent, but we have made significant progress," he added.
Endrick believes that playing in the V.League has been instrumental in his ability to deeply understand the Vietnamese national team's philosophy and playing style. He also praised the unity and adaptability of the Malaysian players, especially with the integration of new South American-born players into the squad.
Born in Brazil in 1995, Endrick, an attacking midfielder, received his football training in his home country. His career saw him play for Cypriot powerhouse Apollon Limassol, though without significant success, before moving to Romania. In 2018, he made the switch to Malaysian football, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen and joining the Malaysian national team in 2023. To date, he has played 22 matches for Malaysia but has yet to score a goal. Currently, the 30-year-old is on loan at Ho Chi Minh City FC from Johor Darul Ta'zim, one of Malaysia's premier clubs.
The highly anticipated match between Vietnam and Malaysia is scheduled for June 10th at 8:00 PM KST at the iconic Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. This game is a direct qualifier for the AFC Asian Cup, adding immense stakes to an already charged rivalry. The insights provided by Endrick dos Santos could prove to be a significant factor in Malaysia's strategy as they aim to overcome their long-standing drought against the formidable Vietnamese side and secure their spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
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