Arsenal and Liverpool defenders were both given a torrid time by quickfire speed and quick-legs of flanker S. Kunanlan when the national team played the both English Premier League (EPL) sides last week.
Kunanlan, 25, was instrumental in creating chances for his teammates in both matches.
The winger’s exploits are nothing new as he has been one of the most consistent players in the national team for years.
“My confidence is high after going great against Arsenal and then Liverpool. It has given me the self-belief that I can take on the best defenders in the world,” said Kunanlan yesterday.
The Semenyih-born player, however, has yet to score an international goal for the senior team.
“I’ve never scored in an international match but have come despite coming close. on several times. occasions. It is dumbfounding as I scored many goals in training,” said the Semenyih-born Kunanlan.
“I am not unhappy but sometimes I feel left out as fans only remember those who score. I tend to freeze in front of the goalmouth.”
Kunanlan, however, hopes to get earn his first international goal against Singapore in the second round, first leg match of the World Cup Qualifiers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.
“Of course, I would like to score against Singapore but it is not my top priority. It does not matter who scores as long as we beat them. Singapore have always been a difficult team to beat. for Malaysia. It will be a tough match.
“I was part of the national Under-23 team who beat Singapore 3-0 at the same stadium two years ago. Many of my teammates from that squad are in the senior team now,” added said Kunanlan, a former cross-country champion who has been a regular with member of the national team since 2009.
Kunanlan was part of the national Under-23 team who won the 2009 Laos Sea Games title and also the AFF Cup.
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