Sazali Abdul Aziz reveals the S.League Team of February

ATSUSHI KAWATA

Albirex Niigata

The 23-year-old was a shoo-in, especially after his four goals against the Young Lions. He failed to find the net against DPMM and Albirex, but always looked threatening.

AZWAN ALI

Brunei DPMM

Last season’s Young Player of the Year has been outstanding in a team that have had a spluttering start. Was in his element in the 3-1 win over Warriors FC.

STIPE PLAZIBAT

Hougang United

Two goals in two games — the winner against Home and one against Tampines — is not a bad start for an S.League debutant and I’m sure there is more to come from the Croat.

JORDAN WEBB

Tampines Rovers

One of six Tampines players to start both their S.League games so far, Webb has been a livewire in attack and has claimed a goal and an assist.

KENTO NAGASAKI

Albirex Niigata

The 25-year-old has shone after being named captain and converted from a No. 10 to a deep-lying playmaker. Has notched up three assists.

RAIHAN RAHMAN

Hougang United

Showed two positive sides of his game, breaking up play superbly in the shock win over Home and getting forward in search of goals in the 4-1 defeat by Tampines.

FARITZ HAMEED

Geylang Int’l

Has got his Eagles career off to a great start, playing every minute of Geylang’s three games. Bagged a goal and an assist against the Young Lions.

NAOFUKI TANAKA

Albirex Niigata

Like Yamada, Tanaka needs no second invitation to support the attack, and has been involved in two of Albirex’s nine goals so far. Has a great left foot, too.

YUKI ICHIKAWA

Geylang Int’l

The centre back has been rock-solid across three games for the Eagles and showed his versatility by playing as an old-school stopper in the 1-1 draw with DPMM.

MIKIYA YAMADA

Albirex Niigata

Pacy, energetic, not afraid to bomb forward. The right wingback also scored the first goal of the new S.League season against defending champions DPMM.

ZAIFUL NIZAM

Balestier Khalsa

Pulled off several superb saves in the Tigers’ 1-1 draw with Albirex, the pick of which came in injury time when he clawed away a Kazuki Mine header, which seemed set for the top corner.

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COACH OF THE MONTH

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF S.LEAGUE

HASRIN JAILANI

Geylang International

He may be a rookie head coach, but the 40-year-old former national midfielder has had a fine start. Geylang held last season’s top two — Brunei DPMM and Tampines Rovers — to draws and comfortably beat the Garena Young Lions and look like potential title challengers. Hasrin has shown flexibility in tweaking his tactics for different games.