KUALA LUMPUR: Police coach Datuk Yunus Alif can't wait to welcome back his Jordanian midfielder Fadi Awad after his heroics at the ongoing Asian Cup in Doha.
Yunus believes that the prized midfielder will greatly boost the Elephants in the 2024-2025 M-League.
Yunus said his admiration for Fadi has grown in leaps and bounds after Jordan created history to reach the Asian Cup final against defending champions Qatar at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday.
All-action midfielder Fadi had one start and two appearances from the bench for Jordan as his Moroccan coach, Hussein Ammouta, opted to use his phenomenal workrate to wear down opponents.
Fadi, who joined the Cops, last season will be starring in the M-League for two more years after signing a contract extension till 2026.
"Fadi didn't get much playing time in the Asian Cup but that doesn't mean he's not good... this is a high-level competition and you can see that Jordan coach has planned well for each match.
"The competition to start a match itself is very high," said former international Yunus.
"When I joined Police, I didn't know Fadi's name and I called him Jordan. He's a jovial man and good team player.
"His workrate is always fantastic... from the training sessions, I saw how good he can be, he never slacks off."
"I'm impressed with the way Jordan have been playing in the Asian Cup but it's not surprising for me because I have seen the quality of Fadi.
"They are playing a very solid game which is very similar to the way Morocco played in the last World Cup.
"When Fadi returns to the club (Police), he has a lot to do from his experience in the Asian Cup final.
"I want other players to learn from him. Fadi is a good motivator and I can see him bringing more impact to his teammates after this."
Meanwhile Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe said his prized Jordan midfielder, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, will return to the team on Feb 21 for the Red Giants' pre-season.
Noor had three starts for Jordan. His impressive 80.4 per cent passing success rate could make a difference against Qatar in the final.
"Their performance has been fantastic. Good physical and tactical skills. I'm really impressed," said Cheng Hoe.