There were times during Muang Thong United's 2-1 AFC Champions League (ACL) victory over Kashima Antlers on Tuesday night when the Japanese champions must have been wondering why they had let newly promoted rivals Consadole Sapporo sign Thailand's Chanathip Songkrasin.

The playmaker was at his brilliant best in Bangkok as the Kirins struck a last-minute winner through ex-Newcastle United striker Xisco Jimenez to clinch the Thai champions' first-ever ACL group stage win.

'Messi J' was a constant threat to Kashima and proved just why he is ready for this summer's loan move from the Thai League to the J League and has every chance of becoming big in Japan.

Chanathip was all over the pitch in the ACL clash, tormenting opponents who found him too tricky to handle at times. Twelve minutes had elapsed when the Thai international took a pass just inside the Kashima half and, with an electric turn of pace, surged forward.

His run was brought to an end by foul means, creating the free-kick opportunity from which Theerathon Bunmathan gave the Thai champions the lead.

Two minutes later, Chanathip tested the Antlers keeper with a low drive and he was then instrumental in the two best chances of the first half -- both missed by Mongkol Tossakrai.

Despite Pedro Junior's leveller early in the second half for Kashima, Chanathip was undeterred. He kept running into space, creating chances for others and making a nuisance of himself.

His lightning-quick feet often got him out of tight spots, though he was sometimes muscled off the ball. But he never gave up and kept coming back for more. Finally, in the fifth minute of added time, he started the move that saw Tristan Do provide the cross into the box that was spilled into the path of Xisco, the Spanish striker slotted home and the stadium erupted.

Chanathip duly picked up his second man-of-the-match award in two ACL games, earning further international recognition after an impressive performance against Australia in an AFC World Cup qualifier last November.

The 23-year-old has made the step from Thailand's golden boy and one of the top players in Southeast Asia, to a talent that is being talked about across the continent. It has been quite a journey for a player whose skill has never been in doubt. But his physical stature -- he's only 5ft 2in -- and fitness levels prompted many to question if he could ever make it in a stronger league.

While adapting to life in the harsher climate of Hokkaido, and having to learn a new language will present unfamiliar challenges, the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup hero has given clear answers to his doubters with his performances in the ACL.

He has demonstrated exceptional stamina and skills that can unlock the defences of the Japanese champions and one of the A League's top clubs. Consadole fans must now be increasingly excited by the prospect of Chanathip's arrival in mid-season.

Kashima Antlers and other J League clubs may not relish the prospect of facing Thailand's finest talent and may be wondering why they did not have a closer look at him.

Tuesday proved to be a day of a double celebration as one of Chanathip's mentors --Thailand's head coach Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang -- put an end to months of speculation over his future by signing on for another year with the War Elephants.

Kiatisuk finally put pen to paper after reportedly being issued an ultimatum by FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang.

He had suggested he might look at other options after leading his country to their fifth AFF Suzuki Cup title in December last year.

But the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) revealed on Tuesday that the man revered as arguably the country's greatest every player was staying.

A statement on the FAT's website read, "The FA Thailand has extended the contract of the national senior team head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang. His new contract will last for one year to 28 Feb. 2018".

The news will be greeted with relief by the War Elephants' faithful, with Kiatisuk having brought huge success back to a national side that was ailing when he took over in 2014. Chanathip will also welcome the news as it brings stability to a squad that has improved dramatically in the last three years.

Later this month, Chanathip and Kiatisuk travel to Japan together for Thailand's next World Cup qualifier. This will be another opportunity for Messi J to demonstrate his worth in front of a Japanese audience that is likely to have all eyes on him.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by PAUL MURPHY

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