Bergson, Tapp give Harimau Malaya more options – Azlan Johar

KUALA LUMPUR – Fifa’s confirmation that Bergson da Silva and Brad Tapp are eligible to represent Malaysia gives Harimau Malaya more options as the national team looks to strengthen its attack and defence.

Sports analyst Azlan Johar said Johor Darul Ta’zim striker Bergson could pose a major threat in front of goal if given the chance to wear the national jersey, while Tapp could bolster the team’s defensive line.

Azlan said Bergson, who is renowned for his goalscoring ability, possesses a crucial quality Malaysia needs – an insatiable hunger for goals – as well as an ability to find space and create shooting opportunities.

“He loves scoring goals. This guy is always hungry for goals. For a player like him, we need good providers to feed him the ball,” he told Bernama today.

According to Azlan, Bergson’s movement and knack for finding space need to be supported by midfielders or playmakers capable of delivering accurate passes to maximise the Brazilian-born striker’s potential.

However, he cautioned that adding a quality player would not necessarily solve all of the national team’s problems, with chemistry and combination play also needing attention.

Meanwhile, Azlan described Tapp as a high-energy 25-year-old with strong fundamentals and considerable potential at international level, although he would still need to adapt to the intensity of international football.

“When playing at the international level, opponents close you down before the ball even reaches you. Players representing their countries generally possess exceptional game intelligence,” he said.

On the defensive front, Azlan said Tapp had demonstrated a sound understanding of defensive principles and a high level of game intelligence, making him a viable option to strengthen the Harimau Malaya backline.

As for whether either player would secure a starting spot, Azlan said selection should not be based solely on reputation but on how well they could build chemistry with their teammates.

He said while high-quality players generally did not need long to settle in, their teammates also had a role to play by showing they could work effectively alongside Bergson and Tapp.

“The other players need to show the coach that they, too, can collaborate effectively with Bergson and Tapp,” he said.

Azlan also stressed that the ultimate goal for players and football administrators should go beyond club-level success to ensuring the national team continues to progress and bring glory to the country.

He said teams with players capable of contributing to Harimau Malaya should take pride in releasing them for national duty.

“If I have a talented player in my team, I release him for the sake of the country. That is the kind of sacrifice I want to see. We need to have that spirit – that is the right approach,” he said.

Fifa previously confirmed that both Bergson and Tapp are eligible to represent Malaysia following a review of their eligibility status under the world football governing body’s regulations.

Their eligibility gives national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe more options as Harimau Malaya prepare for the inaugural Fifa Asean Cup in Jakarta later this month. –BERNAMA