Experts make shocking statement when Malaysian team naturalizes massively

(Dan Tri) - Former football star Rezal Zambery Yahya believes that the massive naturalization of the Malaysian national team is a good thing for the development of football in this country. That will stimulate local players to rise up and gain positions.

Malaysia used a starting lineup of 9/11 naturalized players in the match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Although the "Tigers" won 4-0, public opinion in this country was mixed.

Expert Rezal Zambery Yahya believes that the Malaysian national team's massive naturalization will stimulate the development of local players (Photo: FAM).

Former football star Rezal Zambery Yahya supports the Malaysian national team's naturalization policy and believes that this will motivate local players to strive for a starting position.

Mr. Yahya shared: “This is the general trend of modern football. If local players want to continue to contribute to the national team and continue to improve, they need to show strong character, good attitude, positive thinking. The important thing is that they need to work harder and practice persistently to hope to have a good position.

If that happens, it will be good for the development of local players and create a strong step forward for the national team. We will see the positive impact immediately.

I think local Malaysian players need to wake up and realise that everyone has to fight to be the best version of themselves.”

Naturalized players have helped the Malaysian team "transform" (Photo: Getty).

Meanwhile, the New Straits Times newspaper said that the Malaysian team has transformed thanks to naturalized players, but this is only a short-term solution. If Malaysia wants to improve, it needs to step up youth training.

The newspaper commented: “The Malaysian team has played with 9/11 naturalized players. That is a reality that many traditional fans find hard to accept. Although the naturalized players are devoted to Malaysian football, we still need to be cautious. Naturalized players only provide a short-term solution. For long-term development, we still need to focus on youth training.

Youth football development programmes should not be abandoned. We should invest in academies, school systems and youth football scouting. That is the foundation for sustainable progress. That is the standard and what Malaysian football should aim for. Just look at the Japanese team beating Indonesia 6-0 thanks to local players.”

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/chuyen-gia-tuyen-bo-gay-soc-khi-doi-tuyen-malaysia-nhap-tich-o-at-20250613131459842.htm