Azkals Development Team (ADT) star Jarvey Gayoso proved he can excel wherever he’s placed in the beautiful game. 

Even if Azkals head coach Scott Cooper officially listed him as a defender in the league, Gayoso answered the call to play upfront in his natural position and immediately paid dividends – scoring the franchise’s first goal in the Philippines Football League (PFL). 

ADT also went home with its first PFL win and a clean sheet over Mendiola FC.

“I just spoke to him after the game and he told me: ‘I’m happy to play wherever I am. I’m just happy to learn my lessons everywhere’,” shared Cooper. 

After losing their first two games against powerhouse squads United City FC and Kaya FC, the game-changing adjustment has left Cooper with “food for thought” in how he wanted to approach the next game with the Under-23 national team. 

“Troy Limbo and Jerome Marzan showed spectacular composure and pushed towards winning the game. And having Jarvey upfront, he’s done it in his college career and we know that he would do anything to score a goal,” added Cooper. 

Gayoso, who decided to forgo his final UAAP playing year with the Ateneo Blue Eagles, revealed he wholeheartedly welcomed Cooper’s decision to mold him into a defender despite being the collegiate league’s Best Striker in all his 4 years. 

“When I’m put on the field, I’ll just do whatever. If coach decides to put me as middle, I’ll play as middle to the best of my abilities. It’s just me accepting every role that he thinks that I can play and me adapting to every role,” said the two-time UAAP men’s football champion and two-time MVP. 

Gayoso, though, still managed to impress as a left-back as he helped the ADT backline hold off the country’s AFC Cup qualifiers to 1-0 results, respectively. 

The ADT captain hopes that his efforts and the team’s breakthrough win will inspire the young squad to successfully keep up with the pros. 

“I trust coach Scott and I know that he sees the potential in me, and being the captain also, I want to set an example for the team, especially the younger guys that we always have to adapt as players and wherever we are, we have to give our 100%,” said Gayoso. – Rappler.com