Johor Darul Takzim, chasing their fifth Malaysian Super League title in as many years, which will give them a place in the AFC Champions League next season, have signed up another Argentinian hitman Fernando Elizari.
Elizari, a striker, has been signed from San Lorenzo. Apart from his striker’s role, the 27-year-old is also able to operate on the wings, just like JDT’s former player Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
This is the second Fernando from Argentina signed up by the Southern Tigers within a week. Just days earlier Fernando Marquez put his signature on the dotted line and came off with a bang, scoring a goal in his debut in JDT’s 2-0 win over Perak in a top of the table clash at Johor Bahru’s Larkin Stadium on Saturday.
The win stretched JDT’s lead at the top to eight points (32 points) with Pahang second (24), Perak third (23) followed by Kedah on 21.
The three points will stand in good stead for JDT in their chase for their fifth successive Malaysian Super League title but caretaker coach Raul Longhi was not too happy with the team’s performance against Perak.
“I am slightly unsatisfied with the players’ playing style in the first half but they played better in the second half because they managed to control the midfield…but we worked hard to win,” said the Argentine.
“Perak, Pahang, and Kedah are three strong teams in the league. We will face Pahang next (on Wednesday) and I know it will be a difficult match for us. Pahang is a team with great midfielders.”
On Elizari, Longhi described the new signing as a player with “good attitude, hardworking and likes to play with several good combinations” which is a plus factor for JDT.
“It is the type of mentality needed in a team. He (Elizari) has a few similarities with Diaz as he likes to play and score goals,” added Longhi.
With the arrival of the two Fernandos, JDT will bid farewell to Brazilian striker Jorge Santos Silva and Frenchman Harry Novillo after just four matches. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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