KUALA LUMPUR: There are no new faces in the current national 26-man team that excite football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir.
Jamal believes that the players selection for next week's Merdeka Tournament is caused by situational "urgency".
"I suspect the current selection was influenced by time constraints and the recent coaching change from Kim Pan Gon to Vicente," said Jamal.
Spaniard Pau Marti Vicente, who was the assistant to Pan Gon, was appointed as national caretaker coach following the sudden resignation of the South Korean recently.
"The competitive-level of our Super League hasn't been ideal, which makes it challenging to integrate new players under these circumstances," he said.
But Jamal added that he hopes that the priority in selecting future players would be on emerging talent and fresh faces.
He said that while Vicente's approach in relying on the old guard is understandable now, it's crucial for the national team to cultivate new talent going forward.
"If we don't make moves with young players, we won't see progress.
"Some players may not shine at club-level, but when surrounded by experienced teammates on the national stage, they often elevate their game."
Jamal, 69, alluded to his own experience from the 1980s, when young footballers had ample opportunities to display their skills and contribute to the country's national teams.
"When I was starting out, I had the chance to develop my game over several years, which eventually led to Malaysia qualifying for the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
"But today, the coaches might hesitate to field new players due to the fear of losing and facing repercussions.
"It's important for coaches to be bold and have faith in the potential of younger players.
"Results are not always within our control, but we must be willing to give youth a chance. If things don't work out, adjustments can always be made," added Jamal.
Harimau Malaya play the Philippines on Sept 4 in the Merdeka Tournament.
If they win, they will meet either Tajikistan or Lebanon in the final on Sept 8 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.