WHILE loading his 26-man lineup for the joint World Cup and Asian Cup second qualifiers with veterans like goalie Neil Etheridge and midfielder Stephan Schrock, Azkals coach Michael Weiss is also giving young and promising talents valuable exposure for present and future international play.
A prime example is Filipino-Spanish defender Santiago Rublico, who plays for the Atletico Madrid Under-19 squad and is the youngest player on the squad at 18.
“I intend to use Rublico more in our matches,” said Weiss in a chance interview while he was watching the AFC Champions League match between Kaya-Iloilo FC and the Yokohama Marinos of Japan at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium two nights ago.
Weiss said the youthful defender has become a reliable and solid mainstay in the back row based on his performances in tune-up matches leading to key games against Vietnam and Indonesia in Group F of the qualifying series next week.
Also among the younger players that he has picked are midfielders Justin Baas, 23; Oskari Kekkonen, 24; and Pocholo Bugas, 21, who play for Kaya-Iloilo FC and Thai clubs Lamphun Warrior and Angkor Tiger, respectively.
Likewise making their return to the Nationals are defenders Christian Rontini, 24; Simen Lyngbo, 25; who play for Indonesian clubs Persik Kediri and Persita Tangerang, respectively, and fellow back row partner Jefferson Tabinas, 25, who sees action for J2 League side Mito Hollycock.
“It’s a good mixture of experienced mainstays for a long time and young, well-developing talents brought on by the recent performances of Philippine clubs in AFC competitions,” Weiss said.
Leading the Azkals are Etheridge, 33; and Schrock, 37; who were among the prominent figures during the heydays of the squad.