Dion dazzles in J-League

KUALA LUMPUR: Dion Cools is making waves in Japan, with the J-League highlighting the national defender as the first Malaysian to play in the country’s top division.

The J-League posted a clip of Cools in action for Cerezo Osaka on its official X account this week, praising the 29-year-old’s adaptability and potential.

“As a versatile utility player who can cover multiple positions, we’re excited to see what kind of performances he’ll deliver in the future,” read the caption, which accompanied a short video montage of his recent outings.

Cools joined Cerezo Osaka in early July and has so far featured in two J1 League matches, including the Osaka derby against Gamba Osaka on July 20, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Though the J-League referred to that match as his debut, the former Club Brugge youth product had already made his first appearance for Cerezo shortly after joining the club mid-season.

The move to Japan marked another step forward in Cools’ globe-trotting career. Before landing in the J1 League, he spent the 2023-24 season with Thai champions Buriram United, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign.

He previously turned out for Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic, FC Midtjylland in Denmark and Belgian sides Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge.

Born in Kuching to a Malaysian mother and Belgian father, Cools represented Belgium at youth level before switching allegiance to Malaysia in 2021.

Since then, he has earned over 20 caps for Harimau Malaya and was part of the squad that helped Malaysia qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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