With his professional football debut, Jarvey Gayoso now plays on the same field as his long-time Azkals idols.

But from just idolizing them off the pitch, the young Philippine football star now feels accomplished with going head-to-head with the likes of United City FC Stephan Schrock and Kaya FC’s Joven Bedic.

“There are no more idols, just us against the opponents,” said Gayoso in his interview with One Sports.

“I [have idolized] these guys for the longest time, I’ve watched them ever since they started with the Azkals. I was very young when I was watching them play and now that I am actually able to play on the same field as them, it makes me feel very good and very accomplished.”

Despite having a decorated UAAP career that paved the way for an Azkals debut in 2018, the Under-23 national team captain feels that he still has so much to improve on.

“Based on my experience already playing on the pros, [I need to improve more] on the composure with the ball. Having the confidence to hold the ball and to create opportunities by not forcing opportunities. Being able to understand the game and distribute well,” said the 23-year-old.

Gayoso ended his collegiate career with the Ateneo Blue Eagles with two championships, two MVP awards and 4 best striker awards as he announced back in February that he would opt out his final UAAP playing year.

While he fulfills his dream to turn pro by playing in the Philippines Football League (PFL), Gayoso is juggling both training and his studies in Ateneo.

“It was just time management. Playing in the pros is so much different from playing in college level and I’m not even talking about the game play or anything. I’m talking about being able to manage time,” he said.

“It’s a different adjustment. We are located close to Carmona — the training and the game areas. I have more time to be able to do more academic work.”

ADT currently ranks third on the league after clinching a win against Mendiola FC, 2-0, with Gayoso scoring his first ever goal in the PFL.

The young Azkals will be playing Anton Del Rosario’s Maharlika FC on Friday, November 6, 4:30pm at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite. – Vince Roque/Rappler.com