Safiq Rahim may have come out retirement ahead of Malaysia's AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Lebanon next month, but the playmaker could be given a stern test for his position by the ever-improving Ahmad Syamim Yahya, of Pahang.
The former national captain, along with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) teammates S. Kunanlan and Aidil Zafuan, was included in Nelo Vingada's 26-man squad to face Lebanon at Larkin Stadium on June 13 after reversing their international retirements announced almost a year ago.
Safiq is almost certain to walk into the starting lineup due to his stellar form for Southern Tigers this year. But Pahang midfielder Syamim is also no slouch in the creative department, and wants to be given a chance to showcase that.
"I see Safiq as a rival for a place in the starting 11," Syamim told The Star.
"He is still the best midfielder in the country, he has played at the highest level for some time. So, he definitely has the edge over the other midfielders. But we have a new coach, so everyone starts with a clean slate. I want to show him what I can do and hopefully make the squad for the Lebanon match."
Having played on the flanks almost all of his life, Syamim's career took a turn for the better after he was converted into a central midfielder this year under Pahang coach Dollah Salleh.
Despite only two goals compared to Safiq's eight, Syamim has delivered some dominating performances in the middle of the park with more than his fair share of assists.
He was one of Pahang's standout performers in the Malaysia FA Cup final defeat to Kedah on May 20, and saw the national call up as the perfect cure to ease his disappointment. "The FA Cup final defeat was heartbreaking, but it also led me to the national team. I was surprised to be called up since it had been some time since I last played for Malaysia," Syamim said.
The former Felda United man will travel with his 14 national teammates for centralised training in Johor Bahru on Monday.
Safiq and the rest of the JDT players will join them after their AFC Cup ASEAN Zone semifinal, second-leg against Ceres-Negros on May 31. Ahead of the trip to the Philippines, JDT hold a precarious 3-2 lead.