Brisbane: Earlier this month, Thailand star Chanathip Songkrasin told the-AFC.com that his goal at the 2017 AFC Champions League was to “reach the next level as a player” and in Muangthong United’s opener away at Brisbane Roar – his competition debut – the diminutive playmaker showed that he is ready to take Asia by storm with a man-of-the-match performance in the goalless stalemate.
Always available as an attacking outlet, the 23-year-old constantly looked to lay on chances for forwards Teerasil Dangda and Xisco and his effectiveness at doing so was shown in the statistics as he created seven chances for his team-mates, more than any other player from open play in Match Day One.
Chanathip was also given license to run with the ball and his confidence to do so is demonstrated in his seven dribble attempts being the highest number totalled from the opening week of AFC Champions League games.
His inclination to take on opposing defenders was given further license in the second half. Chanathip’s heatmap shows the man known as “Messi Jay” roaming significantly further forward and higher up the pitch in areas where he could cause more damage. It is also notable that five of the seven chances he laid on came after half time.
However, a combination of Muangthong prolificacy – most shots (17) on goal by a team involved in a 0-0 draw – and a fine performance by Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young, who made the third most saves (7) in Matchday One prevented Chanathip’s creativity from bearing fruit.
The stalemate, though, should not take away from Chanathip performance at Brisbane Stadium where he was not just focused on the attacking side. Despite standing just 5’2” the Thai also wasn’t afraid to mix it in the physical aspects of the game where he was involved in 17 duels – the joint-second highest in the match – and won seven, again joint-second highest in the 90 minutes. He also led his team with four tackles attempted, winning three.
With Matchday Two and a visit from Japanese champions Kashima Antlers – the early Group E leaders – coming in quick succession, Muangthong coach Totchtawan Sripan will be hoping for more of the same from his dynamic number 18 but with a first-ever three points in the AFC Champions League the final result.
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com