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Arif: JDT ready for upcoming challenges
Kuala Lumpur: Fleet-footed winger Arif Aiman has made a major impact for Johor Darul Ta’zim in the inaugural edition of the AFC Champions League Elite™ as the Malaysian champions seek to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the continental championship.
The exciting 22-year-old opened the league phase campaign with an impressive brace in JDT’s 2-2 draw with Shanghai Port before netting the opener in his side’s 3-0 win over Shanghai Shenhua.

Since then he has also scored against Ulsan HD to take his goal tally to four in six games and, with JDT due to face Central Coast Mariners and Pohang Steelers in February, he told the-AFC.com his thoughts on the competition so far.

How would you sum up JDT’s performances in the AFC Champions League Elite so far?

I wouldn’t want to sum our campaign yet. We have two matches to go and we are looking forward to those matches instead of looking back to see how we've done.

You’ve made a big impact on the competition; what has been the highlight for you in the first six group games? Tell us about the goals you’ve scored and the impact they’ve had.

The big impact is on the team and by the team, not by me alone. It about all of us giving our best in all six group matches we've gone through, and there are still many areas we need to improve on. We need to improve further for the upcoming matches to ensure we reach the next round. The goals scored by me are a motivation for me and I will continue striving in the upcoming matches.
JDT are sixth in the standings in the league phase; what would it mean to you and the club to qualify for the last 16, and how confident are you that you can achieve that?

We will do our best in the upcoming matches, the two left in the league phase. We as a team are ready and have been focusing on preparations. These two final matches are important for us in determining whether or not we reach the last 16.

You’ve had experience of playing in the AFC Champions League in previous seasons with JDT; how has that helped you to deal with the challenges you’ve faced in the competition this year?

Based on my experience of playing at the highest level, there are always challenges in every match. For matches at the highest level in Asia, every match is not easy. But I take it as an opportunity for me to prove myself at the Asian level. It is not a burden but an opportunity for myself. I appreciate it and will give my best in every match. This level is challenging not just for me but also the team, which is why we strive to get results.
Please tell us a little about yourself; what was your path to becoming a professional footballer and who were your heroes or biggest influences when you were growing up?

My dream from young was to become a successful footballer. All this while I have received great support, especially from my parents, who have supported me and prayed for my success since I was young. The Regent of Johor has been very supportive and instrumental in my growth at JDT too. I will continue to work hard because my mentality is to always better myself. My heroes and role models are my family members who have always supported me.
What are your longer-term goals? Do you have ambitions to go overseas, and if so where would you like to play in the future?

My long-term goal is to keep improving as a player and continue performing at the highest level for JDT. I need to continuously work hard to be where I am today. I feel my level is not quite there yet, so I will keep striving and aiming high.