Josue calls for new blood as veteran players reach twilight

KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised Brazilian player Paulo Josue believes Malaysia must begin planning for the future as the national team's senior players gradually approach the twilight of their careers.

The 37-year-old midfielder admitted he was surprised to receive another call-up, stressing that younger players must emerge as the national team look towards their next 2032 Asian Cup and 2030 World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Josue, who featured in Malaysia's 2023 Qatar Asian Cup campaign, believes the team must continue introducing new faces while maintaining a strong squad capable of competing against Asia's best.

He singled out rising star Fergus Tierney for praise after the forward impressed in recent matches, while also pointing to Johor Darul Ta'zim striker Bergson Da Silva, 35, as another player whose international career cannot continue indefinitely.

"I was quite surprised last time when the coach called me because I think there is a need for new players to show up and keep the cycle running," said Josue.

"But whenever they call me, I feel very proud and I will join them all the time."

The KL City captain said it was important to give younger players opportunities to demonstrate their potential and establish themselves in the national team.

"I'm quite happy with Fergus. He came in, he's playing well, he played all the matches, he scored a goal," he said.

Josue acknowledged he was unlikely to feature in Malaysia's next Asian Cup squad, underlining the need to develop replacements for the experienced players who have been part of the national team's recent campaigns.

"No, probably not," he said when asked whether he expected to be in the next Asian Cup squad.

However, he believes Malaysia can remain competitive if they maintain a strong squad and keep the players fit.

He said the challenge was to ensure the national team continued progressing even as experienced players gradually made way for the next generation.