Suree Sukha
by Steve Darby
The former Thailand national team coach shares his thoughts on the ex-Chonburi full back - and Assumption College, SriRacha graduate - who announced his retirement this week.
In recent times we have read or heard on TV about the modern full back. Usually after watching Trent Alexander Arnold who has had a great game. Great overlapping, pace, crosses well etc. The reality is Thailand had such a modern full back in 2010 with Suree Sukha (some may argue even before that with Dusit as a left back).
As they say in football, Stevie Wonder could see that Suree was a great footballing athlete. His numerous overlapping runs he made for both Chonburi and the Thailand national team. However, I was lucky enough to work with him for three years and I can tell you he was an intelligent footballer. He could not only make those lung busting runs, but he knew when to make them. That is the key to an intelligent footballer. He only used those runs when he had to.
The “cue” to him making runs was Suchao or “Kop” who played right mid field. When Suree passed the ball to Suchao, Suchao would run infield with the ball. Obviously if he could pass the ball forward he would, but at the same time Suree would take off and overlap which allowed Suchao the option to play a reverse pass into Suree who was free as a full back. And he produced more often than not a great cross, usually aimed at the space in front of Teerasil.
He had a few other positives as well, he could defend, usually staying on his feet and if needed he could kick someone! A vital function of a defender through any age!
Add to that he was a “good lad” always enthusiastic in training, a popular team mate and to be honest I have no doubt (and supported by Peter Reid and Bryan Robson) he could have played Championship or lower Premier league.
I wish he could have spoken English, as I also have no doubt he was a funny lad, as he was always smiling!
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