Recently, Coach Masatada Ishii revealed the 23-man squad for the Thailand national team, set to participate in the LPBank Cup 2024, an international friendly tournament held in Vietnam. Among the selected players is Suphanat Mueanta, often referred to as the “prodigy” of Thai football.
Suphanat Mueanta, currently playing for Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium’s top league on loan from Buriram United, is recognized as one of Thailand’s most promising talents. He was promoted to Buriram United’s first team at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to score in the Thai League and the youngest to net a goal in the AFC Champions League.
Suphanat’s achievements continued as he became the youngest player to don the “War Elephants” jersey, being called up to the Thailand national team for the King’s Cup in 2019 at just 16 years old. Interestingly, this was the same tournament where Vietnam’s “Golden Star Warriors” defeated Thailand 1-0, with a last-minute goal by Anh Duc in the 94th minute.
Since his move to Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium, Suphanat has continued to set records, scoring a goal in his team’s 3-0 victory against Eupen in Round 20 of the 2023 Belgian Pro League season. This made him the first Thai player to score in Belgium’s top division and the first Southeast Asian player to score in one of Europe’s top 10 national leagues.
List of 23 Thai Players Participating in the International Friendly Tournament LPBANK Cup 2024
Goalkeepers (3): Patiwat Khammai (Bangkok United), Saranon Anuin (BG Pathum United), Korakot Pipatnadda (Rayong FC)
Defenders (8): Sasalak Haiprakhon (Buriram United), Chaiyawat Buran (Port FC), Songwut Kraikruan (Muangthong United), Waris Chuthong (BG Pathum United), Elias Dolah (Bali United), Nicholas Mickelson (OB Odense), Suphan Thongsong (Bangkok United), Jonathan Khemdee (Ratchaburi FC)
Midfielders (8): Worachit Kanitsribampen (Port FC), Supachok Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo), Weerathep Pomphan (Bangkok United), Ekanit Panya (Urawa Red Diamonds), Anan Yodsangwal, Akarapong Pumwisat (Lamphun Warriors), William Weidersjo (Uthai Thani FC), Channarong Promsrikaew (Chonburi FC)
Forwards (4): Suphanat Mueanta (OH Leuven), Supachai Chaided (Buriram United), Teerasak Poeiphimai (Port FC), Patrik Gustavsson (Nara Club).
In addition to Suphanat Mueanta, Coach Ishii continues to place trust in experienced national team players such as Supachai Jaided, Supachok Sarachat, Ekanit Panya, and Nicholas Mikelson.
The roster for the LPBank Cup 2024 also features several fresh faces, such as goalkeeper Korrakot Pipatnadda from Rayong, center-back Songwut Kraikruan from Muangthong United, right-back Waris Choolthong from BG Pathum United, midfielder William Weidersjo from Uthai Thani, and forward Patrick Gustavsson, who plays for Japanese club Nara United.
According to the plan, the Thailand national team will gather on September 2nd for a brief three-day training camp before flying to Vietnam on September 5th. As part of the LPBank Cup 2024 schedule, Coach Ishii’s squad will face the Russian national team at 8:00 PM on September 7th. Three days later, on September 10th, they will go head-to-head with the host nation, Vietnam, in what promises to be a highly anticipated match.
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