Written by: Zack Rahim

Judging by how highly DPMM FC coach Steve Kean rates his team, it comes as little surprise he is in no hurry to sign a marquee player.

Those expecting such a player at Thursday’s DPMM FC’s team unveiling ceremony for the 2014 S-League season were sorely disappointed, and it seems like the former Blackburn Rovers boss is content with the import quartet he has – Brazilian forward Rodrigo Tosi joins new signings of Irish midfielder Joseph Gamble, Croatian midfielder Roberto Alviz and Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic.

Kean has already said he will run his attack through Tosi, who scored eight goals despite signing mid-way through last season’s campaign in June, and it is obvious that whoever the club signs next has to complement the Brazilian.

“We’ve got until March,” smiled Kean when asked about why the team hasn’t signed a marquee player yet. “The player we’re looking for has to be quick, dynamic, a good finisher. Rodrigo does a great job of retaining the ball and holding it up – and he already knows the squad.”

“Roberto has got a great last pass and he’s very technical. Boris is a very tough defender. He loves to defend…. And Joe brings a physical style and can play anywhere,” added the Scotsman.

Though Gamble, Alviz and Raspudic are all new faces in the squad, DPMM FC fans will be pleased to know that the core of their side remains the same.

The most notable change this season, though, looks to be the shift from Vjeran Simunic’s 3-5-2 to Kean’s 4-4-2.

One of the team’s elder statesman, goalkeeper Wardun Yussof’s form has seldom been an issue.

The center-back partnership of Shahrulrizal Abd Rahman and Raspudic might still be a work in progress, but the latter has proved to be a tough customer to get past during training and is a threat in the air.

Left-back Sairol Hj Sahari has recovered from a knee surgery in September and right-back Hj Muhd Subhi Abdilah Hj Bakir already looks to have formed a good understanding on the pitch with Gamble – who will play just in front of him.

Captain Rosmin Kamis will partner Alviz in central midfield while hitman Shahrazen Said will once again be a pivotal force in attack – though there is a question mark in left-midfield as to whether it will be Azwan Ali Rahman or Azwan Salleh lacing up.

Kean, who officially started his first day on the job on November 27 after taking over from two-time League Cup winner Simunic, is glad with his squad after two and a half months at the club.

“They’re better than I expected,” he said, “They’re improving each day and I like what I’ve seen.”