Popular Post reader Posted Thursday at 03:55 PM Popular Post Posted Thursday at 03:55 PM From ESPN / MSN Suphanat Mueanta has always been destined for big things -- from the time he became the youngest player to both debut and then score in Thai League 1 at the age of 15. A year later, in 2019, he would set a similar record on the continental stage - becoming the AFC Champions League's youngest scorer at just 16 years and eight months. Many a prodigious talent has however failed in living up to their full potential. That will not be the case with Suphanat. Still only 22, the fleet-footed attacker recently returned to Buriram United after a loan stint in Europe with OH Leuven. The fact that he did not make a real breakthrough might led some to suggest it was a failed spell but the exposure he received would have been invaluable, especially considering he did make 14 appearances in the Belgian Pro League. It will be intriguing to see what the future holds for Suphanat, who should be aiming to continue developing at a higher level than in Thailand. Following in the footsteps of older brother Supachok Sarachat -- who has spent the last two and a half years with Consadole Sapporo -- and venturing to Japan's J1 League seems a logical move. In the present, though, his focus is firmly fixed on helping Thailand win a record-extending 8th ASEAN Championship title. And despite his relative youth, his undeniable quality and the fact that he has been around for a while now mean he is even playing the role of main man -- in an talented but inexperienced Thailand outfit missing some notable names in Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan and Teerasil Dangda. The added responsibility has hardly fazed him. With victories over Timor-Leste, Malaysia and Singapore, the War Elephants are already guaranted top spot -- and a semifinal berth -- ahead of Friday's Group A finale against Cambodia. Remarkably, Suphanat has been named Player of the Match in each match and already has three goals in as many games. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/suphanat-mueanta-has-gone-from-teenage-prodigy-to-thailand-s-main-man-at-just-22/ar-AA1w9daN 10tazione, fedssocr, vinapu and 4 others 6 1 Quote
