Much improved Muhammad Safawi after Portugal stint - Mora

JOHOR BAHRU: National forward Muhammad Safawi Rasid is a much improved player after his three-month stint with Portuguese club Portimonense SC last season, said Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Benjamin Mora.

Mora said Muhammad Safawi had the best opportunity to learn by experiencing training with a team that competes in Europe's top leagues and to understand the demands needed at the highest level.

"If Safawi did not improve after his time in Portugal, then it would have been a waste of time.

"He had the chance to go to another place to see how the training is and the demands, I think he knows what he needs to do," he told reporters after the Charity Shield match last night.

Muhammad Safawi scored on his 24th birthday to help JDT retain the Charity Shield for the fourth straight season by defeating Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) 2-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here.

Muhammad Safawi moved to Portimonese SC last October but did not get the chance make his debut in the Primeira Liga and only appeared on coach Paulo Sergio's reserve bench.

However, he made his maiden outing with Portimonense SC Under-23 (U-23) side but it ended in a 1-3 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the U-23 Portuguese League competition.

Named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2018 and 2019 National Football Awards, he returned to Malaysia in December to join the Southern Tigers.

"He always makes a difference with set pieces, penalties, shooting at goal. For me, Safawi is a great player, great asset to JDT. Thankfully, we have him here back with JDT to help us win, and today (last night) was no exception, he played a good game," added the 41-year-old Mora, who is from Mexico.

-- BERNAMA