KUALA LUMPUR: Irfan Zakaria is used to being shunted back and forth on the pitch, leaving many Kuala Lumpur fans confused which role suits him best. Primarily a defensive midfielder when playing for Super League side KL, Irfan was used in defence when earning his first cap in Malaysia’s 2-1 defeat to Lebanon in an Asian Cup qualifier in Beirut on Tuesday. “I prefer Irfan playing in defensive midfield because he has a good range of passes, both long and short,” said Maciel, whose side lost 2-0 to Felda United in a friendly in Cheras on Friday in the absence of Irfan. Irfan, seen as a future leader for club and country, offers Maciel various tactical options with his ability to play in more than one position. “I don’t think it bothers Irfan because he is used to it and always gives his best.”

Source: New Strait Times April 01, 2018 13:30 UTC