Some Azkals getting needed exposure in Thailand
The move of Filipino players to the Thai Premier League bodes well for the national team as it prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers starting September.
While the Philippines Football League remains in the developmental phase with seven clubs, Azkals team manager Dan Palami believes Thailand is a viable option for national team stars especially with the strength of the competition in the TPL.
The Thai League, which allows up to three Southeast Asian players per club, regularly has a direct slot in the AFC Champions League.
“As much as we want to see our best players here in the local league, we also want them to play for and play against the best clubs in Southeast Asia week in, week out,” said Palami.
“It definitely raises the level of their play and that in effect will benefit the Azkals.”
Two Azkals featured in the biggest Thai League game last Sunday with goalkeeper Michael Falkesgaard suiting up for Bangkok United and Daisuke Sato playing for Muangthong United in a tense duel won by Muangthong, 3-2.
Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto became the latest player to move to a Thai club as he left Stallion Laguna for Suphanburi, where he will be playing with Azkals teammate Alvaro Silva.
Other Filipino players in the Thai League include Javier Patiño, Manny Ott and Amin Nazari for Ratchaburi, Iain Ramsay for Sukhothai, Mark Hartmann for Nakhon Ratchasima, Adam Reed and Marco Casambre for Chainat Hornbill, Kevin Ingreso and Stephan Palla for Buriram United and Martin Steuble for Port FC.
