Just A Few Things: JDT Vs. Perak

Credit- Malaysian Football League

Calm Dominator

Time and time again, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) reminds us why they’re just so good. They overwhelmed their opponents so much to the point that Perak have not had an attack going, despite themselves having a good team on paper. Perak fans at least have some optimism that they can at least give JDT some fight. That faded in a considerable pace given how the first half played out that set the tone of the match.

Granted they only scored just one, but they never looked like surrendering their lead up until the end. Their wingers were a livewire and gave the defence so much trouble. Hafizul had to be called upon twice in the opening 12 minutes to superbly save two of Safawi Rasid’s brilliant efforts.

JDT had so much of the ball and they had an easy time dealing whatever Perak tried to offer. Perak tried, they really tried, but the gap in quality was evident. JDT was never worried until the last minute where Shahrel Fikri failed to get the end of Wander Luiz’ header across goal that went past Farizal Marlias. Still, JDT were deserved winners of the Piala Sumbangsih and looked comfortable in the end.

Unsung Hero

JDT may have recruited nicely during the transfer window, especially with their maiden AFC Champions League season in the horizon. But it was one of their less-talked players that made the difference. Sure people rave a lot about Safawi, Aaron Niguez (Who had a great game), Akhyar Rashid & Diogo Luis Santo, who has an incredible scoring record in Thailand. But I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again: Gonzalo Cabrera needs to be talked about a lot more.

He caused so much grief in the first half to the Perak defence and his tenacious dribbling dazzled as usual. But the technique he exuded to put JDT into the lead was breathtaking. After Niguez lost control of the ball on the left, it fell nicely to Cabrera, who then proceeded to release an audacious chip that flew in gracefully into the far post that left every Perak player in the box frozen. He was an absolute menacing influence down on the wings. When he shines, Cabrera is a sight to behold and should be more appreciated among the more known players JDT has.

Flexibility Issues

Perak head coach, Mehmet Durakovic played his usual favorite 4-4-2 formation. But the system just didn’t work out. Brendan Gan & Leandro Dos Santos needed another midfielder to try and combat JDT’s own midfield trio. They have been annoying Perak’s midfielders by outmuscling them and winning the ball back. An extra midfielder, especially an attacking midfielder, also would’ve keep the ball moving forward. As a result of no extra support and sloppily giving away possession easily, Perak had no shots at goal by half-time. None. That’s how bad they were. Their front two didn’t help matters either. Wander Luiz was wasteful with the ball and Nor Hakim Hassan was anonymous out of position as a centre-forward.

Kenny Pallraj was preferred on the right-wing than Khairil ‘Beto’ Anuar & J. Partiban to provide more defensive cover on JDT left-back La’vere Corbin Ong’s trackback. But as a result, Perak sacrificed more attacking impetus. Kenny was subbed off for Partiban to provide more tenacity before half-time. That and whatever was said during the break had worked to some degree.

Perak finally gained some control, but despite that, JDT still wasn’t troubled, and by a lot too as Perak still retained the shape. The Bos Gaurus only had one shot overall and that is largely due to Durakovic’s hesitance to tweak the system despite the team looking more composed in the second half.

Was Gilmar Missed?

Durakovic had to make do without big Brazilian forward Gilmar after his contentious red card in last season’s Malaysia Cup final. Here, perhaps he is more integral than people thought he is in Durakovic’s plans. Gilmar would’ve been vital to provide more physicality and to hold up play for Wander Luiz or one of the midfielders to run forward.

He would had given Mauricio & Adam Nor Azlin some trouble at least with his physique and allowed his teammates to run ahead providing much needed support. The Wander Luiz-Nor Hakim pairing was ineffective because not only they can be muscled off easily, but neither were effective as a focal point in Perak’s attack. Maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference given how good JDT is or maybe it would have, but Gilmar at least could’ve played an important part here.