From his club to his fans to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), just about everyone is glad to see the back of Safuwan Baharudin.

Not that he's a bad footballer, of course.

On the contrary, the 23-year-old is one of the most consistent performers for his Lions XII club and country. That's one of the many reasons why Safuwan earned a contract with A-League side Melbourne City FC, owned by nouveau riche Manchester City.

Melbourne City FC is now in the sixth spot in the 10-team A-league, with ex Chelsea, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers star Damien Duff playing for them.

Source

Yes, the Damien Duff!

Although it's a three-month loan deal, this marks a huge step up for Safuwan and may he clear the path for more Singaporeans to ply their trade Down Under in the future.

Not that we need any more reasons to praise the ball-playing defender. But here goes:

1. Yes, he's a defender. But he scores goals too

No gifs, no talk:

22 goals for clubs and country so far. Not bad for a defender.

2. He is a centre back by trade by can also play as a fullback, midfielder, striker...

During his trial at Melbourne City FC's (MCFC) friendly matches in UAE, he impressed the coaches with his displays as centre back and fullback.

In Singapore, especially when the team is chasing for a goal, it is quite common to see Safuwan playing as a striker.

He might be an outstanding goalkeeper for all we know.

3. He's got the talent.

Safuwan is one of those rare defenders who are also good in dead ball situations (that's him taking the freekick). Neil Humphrey certainly thinks the world of him.

4. His career is like an Oscar-nominated film.

Just check out these accolades:

"He’s a pioneer leading a Singaporean expedition into uncharted territory. He’s an evangelist selling Singapore football." - Neil Humphreys.

"I am very, very happy and proud of him...He's proved himself to be way ahead of most of his peers and it's showing now". - V Sundramoorthy, coach of Tampines Rovers, in The New Paper.

"Safuwan is a mobile defender who is calm and composed on the ball and makes quick and good decisions." - John van't Schip, MCFC's Head Coach.

"But I think Safuwan will be able to surpass my [number of] caps. He is now at a good stage where the platform [to star] is getting bigger and bigger." - Aide Iskandar.

"He helped make Singapore football part of the Singapore sporting conversation again." Marc Lim, The Straits Times sports editor.

"We hope that Safuwan will be a trailblazer for Singapore football in Australia, and that his move will inspire our young talented players to follow his footsteps." Zainudin Nordin, FAS President.

"Baik lah, Safuwan. Keep the Singapore flag flying high!" Mothership.sg.

Top photo from here.

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