Fantastic Eleven

Here’s my dream team 11 for the Azkals, tho some of them can’t play for the team YET.

Goalie: Neil Etheridge

He’s the man. He was actually one of the candidates for player of the tournament in the Suzuki Cup last month. He confirms he will join the team against Mongolia after his team in the English Premiere League, Fulham FC granted him permission to man the posts for the Philippines.

Back Four: Dennis Cagara, Aly Borromeo, Stephan Schrock and Anton del Rosario

With a loaded line of defense like this, we stand a chance against other football powerhouse in the region. Cagara also plays midfield and can cross the ball well and even score on the run. Schrocky on the other hand is a solid defender and we know Aly and Anton always give 200% in the pitch. (And hotness defined).

Midfield: James Younghusband, Jerry Lucena, Chris Greatwich, and Jonathan de Guzman

We know for a fact that this is the toughest position in the pitch. But with James and Jerry manning the wings while Chris Greatwich and de Guzman taking charge of the defending and attacking midfielder chores respectively, it will make things a lot easier for both offense and defense of the whole team.

Forward: Phil Younghusband and Denis Wolff

Problem over for the Azkals. This attacking duo completes the transformation of the whole team from being just defense-oriented to a score-first-and-make-them-make-mistakes squad. They both have a more-than-decent shooting skills and are good ball handlers as well. With these offensive-minded guys as strikers, it’s gonna be a long day for their opponent’s goalie.

And I also included the bench although in international games, only three substitutes are allowed.

Subs: Jason de Jong, Ian Araneta Iain Ramsay, Phil Greatwich, Roel Gener, Mark Drinkuth, Cristopher Camcam, Manny Ott, Patrick Herget, Rob Gier, and Ray Jonsson.

Gone are the days when we completely rely on our first eleven. When the bench is as loaded as the starters, it’s always exciting to watch this team pick on their foes one by one.

Thinking of this loaded and one hekuvva lineup, I just can’t help but be excited for the future of football in the Philippines. I can’t wait to play Greatwich, del Rosario and the rest of the Azkals in EA Sport’s FIFA ’14 or watch them boot the ball against the football superpowers of the world in the World Cup! MM