Young Azkals lean on De Jong's leadership experience

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong is adjusting to his new role as one of the leaders of the Philippine Under-23 side set to do battle in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

De Jong, 21, is among the most experienced member of the crew composed mostly of 19 and 20-year-olds, having played for the senior Azkals team in big-time competitions like the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers.

“For me, it’s a new thing; I’m curious of what’s gonna happen,” said the tattooed de Jong, known for his physical defending and hard tackles.

“It’s the first time I’m one of the seniors and I have to help other (younger) players; normally, the other players are helping me when I’m with the senior Azkals. Hopefully, we’ll get good results in Indonesia.”

De Jong rejoined the SEAG pool last Wednesday after playing a game with FC Dordrecht, a second division club in Holland, early in the week. He suited up for Phl U-23 when it nipped Chieffy Caligdong and Phl Air Force, 4-2, in a tune-up at Rizal Stadium Thursday.

“Not everyone is here yet,” he said in assessment of the team, which is still expecting the arrival of the other Europe-based players either in next week’s camp in Gotemba, Japan or a few days before the start of SEAG competitions on Nov. 3.

“Okay there’s some lack of communication in our game against Air Force but then again we won the game, good result. We have to get good results in tuneup games in Japan as well and then we will look ahead.”

Phl XI is competing for the first time since hosting the SEAG in 2005, hoping to draw momentum from the progress achieved by the Azkals in gunning for a medal.

“Target is to get a medal, of course. Going there to see what’s gonna happen is not a good idea; we should have a goal and that goal should be at least a medal,” said De Jong.