KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised playmaker Endrick dos Santos is entering familiar territory when Malaysia take on Vietnam in a crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Dos Santos’ ties with Vietnam run deep. Currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim  to Ho Chi Minh City FC in V.League 1, he has strong relationships with his club teammates and coaches.

And that comes with some valuable inside knowledge which he hopes to utilise and help the Harimau Malaya gain an advantage.

Malaysia have yet to beat Vietnam in their last few outings but Dos Santos believes this time around, things are different, not just because of home advantage but due to the meticulous preparation and unity in the camp.

"We’ve analysed the Vietnam team with our analysts. They’re fast, strong, and they fight. But like every team, they have weaknesses. We’ve trained hard to follow the coach’s plan. I trust the team and the process 100 percent, this will be a good game."

Dos Santos still has two more matches left on his contract in Vietnam before discussions about his future take place. 

But for now, his focus is fully on Malaysia.

With several new Malaysian-heritage players joining the squad, Endrick’s multilingual background, where he is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some Malay, has made him a natural bridge in the dressing room.

"We speak a bit of everything to help each other. I try to make the new guys feel comfortable. The staff and players are all walking in the same direction now. That’s very important. We think alike, we move as one and we’re focused only on the win."

While Vietnam will be a tough test, Dos Santos is confident Malaysia can rise to the occasion - especially with the home crowd behind them.

"It’s 11 vs 11, but we’re playing at home. That changes things. The fans give us a big push and we need them. We’ll do everything to get the three points."