Utility player Junior Eldstal hopes to make an important contribution to the AFC Cup title defence of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), despite "horrible injuries" largely ruining his 2016 season.
The 25-year-old was on the bench for last Wednesday's AFC Cup semifinal against Bengaluru FC, as the Southern Tigers were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Larkin Stadium.
Junior only returned to full training towards the end of last month after three months out with a quadricep tear, one of four injuries that have kept him on the sidelines for long periods.
"From the team point of view, we have worked together to achieve great things this year, but personally it has been a disappointing campaign," Junior told ESPN FC. "I would say it was one of my worst since being in Malaysia, with the quad, tearing my hamstring [sidelining him for two months at the start of the year], and even getting knocked out in training.
"It's kept me out for so many games, which I would have been involved in, but I thank [coach] Mario [Gomez] for always having faith in me to put me back in the squad after being out."
Morning cardio done ���������� pic.twitter.com/W2X2dQGuGp
- Junior Eldstål (@JuniorEldstal) September 29, 2016
Junior, who plays centre-back for JDT and usually in a midfield role with Malaysia, completed 90 minutes in his full comeback match on Sept. 24 as Johor defeated T-Team 5-1 in the Malaysia Super League (MSL). On the same night, they showed off their third consecutive MSL crown to a massive crowd at Larkin.
"The mood is great, and we celebrated by lifting the trophy last weekend, but at the same time we are professional, and our target is still far from over," Junior said.
"We want to retain the AFC Cup, and this is our next step so we are still more focused than ever."
With Juan Martin Lucero, Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Amri Yahyah all suspended for the second leg of the AFC Cup semifinal in India on Oct. 19, Junior could be called on to do a job by coach Gomez, at some point, during a tense tie.
Having become the first Malaysian side to win the AFC Cup in 2015, JDT are now aiming to make a second consecutive final -- and Junior would obviously love to be a part of that, despite his injury woes.
"There is no point dwelling on the past, and it is a learning curve for me and my body," Junior said. "I now know what I have to work on and my preparation is better than ever.
"I have my own trainer of the pitch who is working on my mobility, and injury prevention. It is important to have faith and believe that it is God's path. I look forward to the season ahead, and will come back stronger than ever."
Junior's journey to one of Southeast Asia's most successful clubs, and international football with Malaysia, is an unlikely one. He was discovered by former Australia international Scott Ollerenshaw while on a work experience trip to his birthplace of Sabah where Ollerenshaw holds annual junior football and lawn bowls tournament. When they had a social kick around, Ollerenshaw spotted something, and alerted Sarawak coach Robert Alberts. To that point, Junior had only played non-league football in England where he grew up.
After two years with Sarawak as a midfielder, Junior joined JDT and was converted into a centre-back by then-JDT boss Bojan Hodak.
Linking up with the nation's most popular team has elevated Junior's popularity with more than 70,000 followers on Instagram. The stylish, pan-Asian looks -- his father is from Sweden -- confident, yet respectful, demeanour and trademark tattoos have certainly created interest amongst younger fans, and even earned comparisons with a certain David Beckham.
Creativity never goes out of style... @jeclothinguk ��
A photo posted by JuniorEldstål (@junioreldstal) on
And just last month, he oversaw the global launch of his own unisex fashion label, Junior Eldstal Clothing Limited, which is based in London.
"My close friends and family will know how much I love my fashion, and finally I have created a lifestyle brand which represents me," he said.
"Of course, football comes first, so it is important to find the correct balance. Just because I am passionate about my label does not mean I am not focused. I work hard, on and off the pitch, and my work ethic is something people do not see."
Junior has played 15 times for Malaysia in official, and non-official matches, and would have been a likely selection for next month's AFF Suzuki Cup, with Harimau Malaysia based in Myanmar during the group stage. But, he revealed to ESPN FC, that a passport issue, will preclude him from the tournament.
"I have to go back to the UK to fix my passport. I am still waiting for Malaysia to help me with a certain problem in my passport, and it has taken three years. So, I won't be able compete this time, but I will be back in Malaysia, ready to play for club and country, just before the preseason starts next year."
JDT's final league match of 2016 will be away to Selangor on Oct. 22, three days after the AFC Cup semifinal, second leg.
But all going well, Junior and JDT will be kept busy until Nov. 5, which is the scheduled date for the 2016 AFC Cup final when a possible meeting with Lebanon's Al-Ahed, or Iraq's Air Force Club, is in prospect.