PETALING JAYA: Jesper Nyholm’s (pic) move from a top team in Thailand to a struggling club in Malaysia has raised eyebrows.
But the 29-year-old centreback, who is of Swedish heritage, has no qualms of making his mark with Perak and is all excited to embark on a new challenge in Asia.
Perak are currently 11th in the Super League, with only nine points and are a whopping 33 points behind top-of-the-table side Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Nyholm said Perak had presented him with a good plan and challenge.
And he is one who relishes on challenges.
“The biggest motivation was the plan presented by the team. It was a good challenge and I felt like giving it a shot,” said Nyholm, who signed a one-and-a-half year deal with the Seladang.
“I have some friends who played here in Malaysia and I got some input from them about the league here.
“I’m also looking forward to testing the pitches, which I believe are different from Sweden and Thailand.”
The Filipino international defender had played a pivotal role in helping Muangthong United finished fourth in the Thai League 1 in the 2022-2023 season.
Before moving to Thailand last year, Nyholm played for several Swedish top-flight clubs like IK Sirius, Dalkard, AIK Stockholm and IF Djurgardens.
Nyholm may not be physically imposing or very tall but he uses intelligence during defensive situations to make a mark.
“But I am learning all the time. I want to be a better footballer,” he said.
“Coach Yusri (Che Lah) wants to bring in a winning mentality for the boys who are here. Jokes, we can do outside the pitch, but when we step out onto the field, he wants full focus.
“My goal with Perak is to help them bounce back from their losing streak this season and make the team as strong as we possibly can.”
