The UAAP Men’s Football Tournament isn’t done yet but I thought I’d name my All-UAAP Starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Patrick Deyto (DLSU)
Defenders: Ronald Batisla-Ong (UST) Deo Segunial (UP) David Basa (UST) Allan Serna (UP)
Midfielders: Jay Eusebio (UP) Shinmar Felongco (UST) John Ronald Caballero (UST) Nikko Villa (DLSU)
Forwards: Jinggoy Valmayor (UP) Ojay Clariño (UST)
Bench: Gringo Bravo (UE), Ronnie Aguisanda (FEU), Jesus Melliza (FEU), Robert Martos (UE), Fitch Johnson Arboleda (UE),
Coach: Frank Muescan (UP)
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I like Coach Frank's more laid back style rather than the fire and brimstone approach of others.
Several of these players should make the U-23 National Team. I like Deyto as the GK. He's got the height -- what 6'1" or 6"2 and has great instincts. What helps him is he is a former field player.
In my honest opinion, the best playmaker in the league is -- UST's Shinmar Felongco. Dudes, you gotta watch this guy. He's fearless. Great at one touch passing and the through ball. Team him up with UP's Jay Eusebio -- then watch this team take off. And there's Caballero who is the most underrated player in the tournament. Just needs to work on his conditioning though.
Valmayor and Clariño up front and you have two workhorses who know how to use their height and their heft to bang. Finishing is far from polished but these dudes are dangerous.
When Dave Basa graduates from UST this March, Batisla-Ong will inherit the central back position. I kinda like what Marjo Allado does with their formation -- 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. When Dave leaves I figure they might resort back to a 4-4-2. But imagine on this team -- Basa, Batista-Ong, Segunial, and Serna. Ain't nobody getting in.
When Dave Basa graduates from UST this March, Batisla-Ong will inherit the central back position. I kinda like what Marjo Allado does with their formation -- 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. When Dave leaves I figure they might resort back to a 4-4-2. But imagine on this team -- Basa, Batista-Ong, Segunial, and Serna. Ain't nobody getting in.
Valmayor and Clarino both from LSGH! firepower
ReplyDeleteI am lucky to have played with them
Powerhouse if this players would be combined! I could already imagine how hard would it be for others to surpass the back four. Hope some of this guys could make it in the under-23. Coach Frank Muescan has really developed into one of the promising coaches in the country. As for an additional information Ojay Clarino was a product of Coach Franks grass roots development program in Marist School. I do hope that he should still continue this as he have brought up a lot of promising players.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Valmayor and Clarino would make an awesome combo up front! I've been able to catch UST in action and Basa really impressed me. Big strong center back who doesn't just clear his lines, he clears his lines with a purpose. He doesn't just take the ball out of the area, he actually gets his team's play going. His connection with his midfield players is something to watch.
ReplyDeleteWith the strong recruitment going on from the provinces, a number of very good U-23 players are playing in the UAAP already and you're right sir Rick a lot of them should get a second look from the coaching staff that's putting together the SEA Games team. It would help to have a lot of the UAAP players on the same team since a lot of them would a) be already be based in Manila but with the advantage of already having been pre-scouted as some of the best from outside and inside Metro Manila b) be at least familiar with each other's style of play.
Nice All-UAAP Team sir!
David Basa was a reserve player for the Azkals in the 2010 Suzuki Cup. He is the only current UAAP player (and Manileño too boot) on the squad. He played for UST's title team of 2007 as a frosh. He came of age last year. Was sure fun watching him try and beat Jason Cordova of FEU (who also played for the Azkals before). Some of these guys are pretty good. I've seen Aris Caslib watching quite a few of the matches. Of course, this falls under the watch of Hans Michael Weiss but nevertheless. Felongco should merit a look. If you ask me, he was just as responsible for getting UST to the title game last year.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have been covering UAAP football extensively for the last six years.
UP has become powerful in football. the opposite of their basketball team. the starting players are very good and also their substitutes. they have produced quality players, such as Permanes, Segunial, Valmayor, Octavio, Serna, Rances and Eusebio.from their subs,Mordeno is very good but he doesn't have finishing. I suggest that you watch Alfonso Cruz from UP. he's a very good player, technically very good. he is from CSA. i saw him play back in high school. he has the accuracy of Fernando Torres, the speed of Messi, the skills of Ronaldo and the power of Roberto Carlos. I think the coaches are not letting him play because i heard that he is hard headed. i enjoy watching him play during halftime because he is so aggressive and very patience when defending. try to watch him play during halftime. he's number 2.
ReplyDeleteStephen Permanes is one of the top players in the league and for me regardless of position, he should be in the starting 11. His work ethic is a cut above the rest - he is the fuel that ingites the UP engine; he's got 2 magnificent goals already; and who could've imagined that he could play at such a high level when just months back we never knew if he could ever play again... Also, Arboleda of UE should be in the starting 11 either as one of the forwards of MF's. This guy's one of the most complete players in the league.
ReplyDeleteUst's Batisla-ong(not batista ong) will contribute much in the "Def" but im not sure because he's so dangerous and rough in defending. John Caballero (not Mario Caballero) is like beckham that can distribute great crosses and C.Ronaldo that has fast paced foot skills only his conditioning is his problem. Oj Clarino is a good striker but he should train how to finish and get a goal. Ronnie Aguisanda should be placed in the first 11 than Jay Eusebio. He's much better mid. last comment is about Patrick Deyto this is not about uaap but about making him train in the askals.
ReplyDeleteClarino suffered from a complete ACL tear during the Unigames league held last 2009 in Iloilo after which, he still managed to perform exquisitely during last year's UAAP and brought his team to the finals. Up to the present, he is undergoing rehabilitation from his post-arthroscopic surgery and still trying to find his pace at the moment but decided to play for UST this season. He may not be a hundred% (physically) but his periodization is surely at its peak. He is more than what you give him credit for... just imagine if this guy's a hundred% healthy, he'd probably be more fit for an international team. UAAP football games are more worth watching with this guy on the field.
ReplyDeleteUst's Batisla-ong(not batista ong) will contribute much in the "Def" but im not sure because he's so dangerous and rough in defending. John Caballero (not Mario Caballero) is like beckham that can distribute great crosses and C.Ronaldo that has fast paced foot skills only his conditioning is his problem. Oj Clarino is a good striker but he should train how to finish and get a goal. Ronnie Aguisanda should be placed in the first 11 than Jay Eusebio. He's much better mid. last comment is about Patrick Deyto this is not about uaap but about making him train in the askals.
ReplyDeleteThis guy's from UST. hahaha
I was kinda surprised when I saw Caballero on your list of starting eleven. I don't wanna follow any comments on that but Diamante, Aguisanda, or Carlo Parmanes would be a better replacement. I just wanna comment on an anonymous' comment.
ReplyDeleteAguisanda and Eusebio are both good players. No one could ever tell who's better between these dudes because they play different positions. Aguisanda plays as a center midfielder, while Eusebio performs on the right/left(I'm not sure) wing. Aguisanda distributes the ball well and can control the ball even under pressure. And he wins in every 50/50 situation. I like the style of play of this guy. He's calm, composed, and plays clean. On the other hand, Eusebio, is a stylish player. He has a great 'First' touch on the ball, speed, accurate kicks, and superb 1v1 skills. I love watching this guy play except the unnecessary punches and shoves.
so there. What's more important is we've good players in the country. I am certain of seeing a couple of players from UAAP playing in U-23 Sea Games.
For me, perhaps the two indispensable players in your line-up are from UP, Permanes and Serna.
ReplyDeleteIf UP wins this Sunday against UST, no one deserves that MVP trophy and recognition more than Stephen Permanes. I have never seen a man so disciplined, in and out of the field, both as a student and an athlete. His passion and dedication to the team boosts morales and hearts, which highlights the character of a true leader. A few months ago, he suffered a serious injury, but this fighter's blood never backed down. When Permanes graduates this March, UP will then have lost one of its greatest, perhaps of all time. To all the succeeding players, good luck, because you have big shoes to fill.
Allen Serna, on the other hand, is the epitome of a bullfighter - ruthless with a devil-may-care attitude. Once he's set his eyes on the target, no one passes through this resident bad boy of the defenders' walls. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in dead-on accuracy and blazing passion. No wonder why he's probably the only player who is played full-time, you cannot unravel the thread that binds. If heart and skill can kill, Serna might as well be the best assassin there is.