Malaysia calls up Colombia's top striker, more expensive than Xuan Son, for match against Vietnam

TPO - The Malaysian Football Federation confirmed that they have just called up striker Rodrigo Holgado, who is playing in the Colombian National Championship, for the big match against the Vietnamese team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10.

A goal that shows Holgado's skill

Holgado was born in Argentina and has Malaysian blood from his grandmother. According to FIFA regulations, players can change teams without having to live in the host country for 5 consecutive years if they have blood from their grandparents, father, and mother. Thus, Holgado is eligible to become a citizen and play for the Malaysian national team.

The 29-year-old striker plays for America de Cali in the Colombian league, where he has impressed with seven goals and two assists in just 15 appearances this season. Holgado is among the top four scorers in the Colombian league, and last season he also shone with 10 goals in 30 games, becoming the team's top scorer.

The fact that a name playing in the South American National Championship, which is unfamiliar to Asian players, was called up by the Malaysian team on the other side of the world, brought a sense of surprise to everyone. Even Holgado's head coach did not believe that this 29-year-old striker was called up to the Malaysian team.

Holgado is the top striker in the Colombian National Championship.

"At first, when I heard the news, I thought it was just a rumor. Then I talked to him and found out that there was an official document (a call-up to the national team)," said Medelin de Cali coach Da Silva. "We were really surprised."

In the context of Malaysia lacking a quality striker, Holgado's presence is certainly very valuable to them. Holgado is valued at 806,000 euros, slightly higher than Xuan Son of the Vietnam team (700,000 euros according to Transfermarkt). And if he appears in the match against Vietnam on June 10, he will bring a lot of danger to coach Kim Sang-sik's defense.

This player possesses comprehensive technique, diverse finishing ability and skillful dribbling. Once he appears on the field, surely central defenders like Viet Anh, Thanh Binh or Duy Manh will face countless difficulties.

Dang Lai

Source: https://tienphong.vn/malaysia-goi-chan-sut-hang-dau-giai-vdqg-colombia-dat-gia-hon-xuan-son-cho-tran-gap-tuyen-viet-nam-post1745136.tpo