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MANILA, Philippines – Philippine national football team coach Thomas Dooley believes Javier Patino’s return to the squad will be important for their push to the FIFA qualifiers.
Dooley described the Spanish-born Pinoy as a finisher, which is exactly what the team needs when they begin their campaign against Bahrain at home on June 11.
“We can create chances but we are found lacking in finishing ability. Patino is, though, a striker who knows where to be and how to finish. He is a typical one-touch player in the box,” explained Dooley in FIFA.com.
“He will play in the No. 9 jersey for us. Our No. 9 has to be dangerous, but most importantly he has to score goals when he gets a chance. Patino is the one who can give us that. I’m excited to have him for the qualifier,” Dooley said.
Patino missed last year’s AFC Challenge Cup, where the Philippines lost to Palestine 1-0 in the final, a result that cost them a maiden appearance in AFC Asian Cup.
Patino debuted for the Philippines in 2014 when he scored twice to help the Azkals beat Cambodia, 8-0, in the Challenge Cup.
He also played against Turkmenistan, but missed the succeeding games due to injury and change of mother clubs.
He now plays for Chinese club Henan Jianye F.C. where he debuted with two goals in his very first game.
“We tried to bring him in all the time, but because of injuries and his transfer to China, he wasn’t be able to join and play for us,” rued Dooley. “Now I am absolutely glad he maintains his prolific form.”
Patino said he looks forward to his reunion with the Azkals, noting that it would be his first time to play in the qualifiers.
“I really want to play for Philippines,” he said of the Bahrain game. “Above all, this game is special. It’s my first World Cup qualifying game and it should be a wonderful experience.”
However, he conceded that they are in for a tough challenge in their group which also includes Uzbekistan, Yemen and Korea DPR.
“It is not a kind draw for us,” said Patino. “The competition will be hard. But we have a team consisting of some high-quality players. We will do our best and try to help Philippines to a better place.”
Photo: Javier Patino/Spin
This story was republished with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
