Thai League 2021-22: Matchday 2 Best XI

The Thai League continued in earnest over the last weekend, and no side has emerged from from the second week with a 100-percent record. Reigning champions BG Pathum United picked up their first win of the season, with Buriram and Chiangrai following suit. The ‘Thai Classico’ between Chonburi and Muangthong served up a six-goal thriller that ended all square, while Port and Bangkok United also played out a stalemate in their match.

Here are our picks for the Best XI of the weekend:

Goalkeeper – Patiwat Khammai (Samut Prakan City): One of two goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet this week, Patiwat made a few excellent close-range saves to help Samut Prakan City pick up their first win of the season.

Defender – Irfan Fandi (BG Pathum United): In the absence of both Victor Cardozo and Andres Tunez, Irfan Fandi stepped up as BG’s defensive leader to incredible effect. Not only did he marshal the side to a clean sheet, he also had a hand in both of the side’s goals, assisting the first from a corner kick in an excellent all-round display.

Defender – Aris Zarifovic (Samut Prakan City): A leader for the Sea Fang this season, Aris’ experience and no-nonsense defending was crucial in keeping Nongbua Pitchaya at bay. He also scored the game’s only goal with a bullet header from a corner kick to take the points back to Samut Prakan.

Defender – Suwit Paipromrat (Khon Kaen United): Playing as a left wing-back, Suwit’s tireless running up and down the waterlogged pitch at the Khon Kaen Provincial Stadium deserves recognition. The fact he played a crucial role both offensively and defensively for his side in such conditions is a testament to his quality and energy.

Midfielder – Kritsada Kaman (Chonburi FC): Chonburi dominated Muangthong for the first hour of their game, and a big part of that was due to how Kritsada Kaman helped the Sharks control midfield. He was vital to the side’s build-up play, and had a hand in two goals despite playing at the base of midfield. He very narrowly beats out teammate Worachit Kanitsribampen, who registered a goal and an assist, because of the importance of his contributions in both defence and attack.

Midfielder – Chaowat Veerachart (BG Pathum United): The Rabbits corrected their mistakes from last week and expertly controlled the midfield in their match against Ratchaburi. Playing alongside ball-winner Chatmongkol, Chaowat was responsible for both recycling the ball to maintain possession and picking killer passes into the final third. He fulfilled both of those roles in style with a dominant display.

Winger – Vander Luiz (Bangkok United): The Brazilian showed his class once again, teasing the Port defence with his excellent skill before unleashing an incredible strike to find the top corner.

Winger – Ibson Melo (Khon Kaen United): A hard worker and constant menace in attack, Ibson made history by both winning and scoring the penalty which gave Khon Kaen United their first ever top flight victory.

Forward – Supachai Jaided (Buriram United): Buriram’s #9 came off the bench just before half time when his side were 1-0 down against Police Tero. His 65th minute goal and excellent play to set up Suphanat Mueanta saw the Thunder Castle pick up their first win of the season.

Forward – Teerasil Dangda (BG Pathum United): The experienced Thai striker was the focal point of BG Pathum’s attack, linking up play brilliantly and showing his class in tight spaces. He capped off the performance by scoring the second goal.

Forward – Bill Rosimar (Chiangrai United): When his side needs him the most, Bill always delivers. The same was true over weekend, as Chiangrai were left frustrated by their inability to break down Nakhon Ratchasima despite their dominance of possession. Thankfully for them the Brazilian striker stepped up to score two penalties, the second in the final minute of added time, to secure the win.

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