DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean heaped praise on the individual performance of midfielder Azwan Ali after impressing in the 3-0 victory against troubled Warriors FC in the S League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Friday.

The local star has been missing a number of games but came on as an impact substitute during the Geylang draw delivering a performance that prompted Kean to acknowledge that the player was returning to form.

Azwan Ali's fitness was previously in doubt but took his chance with a steady performance.

"We've played him in a few games and he's never done himself any favors because he wasn't fit so we left him out of the team for a few games," said Kean in a post-match interview.

"He came on into the team mostly as a substitute with big impact. Tonight again he caused trouble," he continued.

"I would've hate to play against him. That is the biggest compliment you can give a player because when he faces somebody up on a one-on-one situation he can take it on his left foot, with his right foot, he can step-over so he's a real threat.

"When you've got two like that, Juan (Azwan Ali) on one side and Paulo (Paulo Sergio) on the other, it must be a real torment for the opposition defences at the moment because we are really getting behind fullbacks which is pleasing," the head coach said.

Kean also explained his decision to withdraw defender Awangku Fakharazzi who made a rare start in the 81st minute for Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir.

"Fakhha put in a steady performance but he was getting tired because he has not played for a long time. He was tired and I just felt that their number 11 (Hafiz Nor) was pushing on.

"We've just needed fresher legs and then on the flipside, he's (Aminuddin) fresh enough to play. It was actually his ball over the top and into the corner. Then he supported it and he got it back and he managed to get an assist."

Kean also explained his decision to bring forward Shahrazen Said into the fray as a late substitute.

"Johnny always uses his experience when he's comes on. He keeps the ball in the corners, uses his strengths to slow the game down and takes the sting out of the game," he added.

Kean concluded that the defensive central partnership of Rosmin Kamis, Brian McLean and Yura Indera Putera are enjoying a good understanding after withstanding some difficulties earlier in the season.

The 5-0 defeat to Home United had given the head coach much-needed thoughts to iron the defensive frailties which he added is now paying dividends after spending hours and hours on the training ground.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]