National defender Dion Cools reveals how playing in Japan’s J1 League with Cerezo Osaka has improved his game reading and tactical awareness for Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Playing in Japan’s top-flight J1 League has given national defender Dion Cools a new perspective on football that benefits both his development and Harimau Malaya.
The 29-year-old, who joined Cerezo Osaka last June, said exposure to different systems and tactical approaches in Japan has improved his game reading abilities.
Cools believes he can now better help his teammates on the pitch by sharing insights gained from his J1 League experience.
“I know Japanese football is for sure different than Southeast Asian football in my opinion,” he told reporters.
“So it’s not really the playing style that might translate on the pitch but I think it’s more coming into exposure of new systems that I’m seeing maybe in Japan that I can recognise on the pitch.”
The defender with 37 caps and six goals since his 2021 debut said he can help the backline or attack find solutions during challenging moments in games.
Cools acknowledged enjoying his time in Japan where every team plays with its own distinct style.
The variety of tactics and quality competition has provided valuable experience at a higher level of Asian football.
He also noted Malaysia’s steady improvement since he first joined the national team.
“We have a good base. We have a lot of quality players in the team now with a lot of young players as well,” Cools said.
“So, they’re lifting the level in our team.”
Despite ongoing challenges, the national team remains upbeat about qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Harimau Malaya under coach Peter Cklamovski top their qualifying group with four consecutive wins.
Malaysia leads Group F with 12 points, followed by Vietnam with nine points, Laos with three, and Nepal with none.
Only the group champions will qualify for the finals in Saudi Arabia in January 2027.
The team faces Nepal in their next Group F qualifier next Tuesday. – Bernama
