KUALA LUMPUR: Football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir has posed critical questions to Harimau Malaya caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente ahead of their upcoming friendlies during the FIFA window on Nov 11-19.
As the national team prepare to face Laos on Nov 14 and India on Nov 18, Jamal questions whether Vicente's focus will be on earning ranking points or experimenting with new talent.
Jamal, a former Malaysian international, urges a shift from the usual line-up of familiar faces, arguing that these friendlies present a valuable chance to unearth new players.
"It's time to stop playing it safe," he said.
"There are so many untapped talents out there, and these friendlies are the perfect opportunity to give them a shot. This isn't about ranking points — it's about the future of Malaysian football."
While friendlies often serve to improve rankings, Jamal views this approach as limiting, stressing that these friendlies should focus on giving younger players high-level exposure.
"Our game is stagnant. It's not moving forward. If we want to develop, we need to give fresh faces the chance to prove themselves," he said.
The 26-man squad selected by Vicente includes six new call-ups — Haziq Nadzli (Perak), Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili (Terengganu), Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (Selangor), Sergio Aguero (Sri Pahang), Natxo Insa (Johor Darul Ta'zim) and Dion Cools (Buriram United).
Jamal is puzzled by the inclusion of 38-year-old Insa, a seasoned player who may lack long-term value.
"I don't understand why Insa is there. These are friendlies, not a tournament. This is the time to rest key players and test new options," Jamal argued.
Jamal insists that now is the time for experimentation with the AFF Cup around the corner.
"The familiar players, those we already know well, shouldn't be the focus right now.
"This is the time to experiment and discover new talent," he added.