The undisputed icon of Filipino football, with more appearances and more goals for the Azkals than any other player, striker Phil Younghusband's involvement with the Philippines national team goes back to 2006 when he and older brother James made their international bows.
Nationality: The Philippines
Date of birth: 04/08/1987
Position: Striker
Current club: Davao Aguilas (Philippines)
Previous clubs: Meralco Manila, San Beda FC (both Philippines), Esbjerg fB (Denmark), Chelsea (England)
International background
Born in Surrey, England, the son of Englishman Philip Younghusband Sr. and Filipina Susan Placer, Younghusband joined Chelsea's youth academy at the age of nine years old, where he would spend over a decade, but it was to be Asia that ultimately would prove his true calling.
Making his debut for his mother's place of birth in 2005, Younghusband would become a fixture of the side, scoring in the majority of the Philippines' footballing milestones of recent times.
Particularly noteworthy contributions came in the 2010 AFF Cup when the striker netted to make it 2-0 and cement a group stage win in Vietnam that ensure a first semi-final in the regional tournament - an achievement that became known as the "Miracle in Hanoi" - to one of his most recent goals, his 50th in March 2018, that ensured Phillipines qualifed for UAE 2019.
Style of play
A prolific goalscorer at the regional level, Younghusband has netted over 52 times in 105 appearances; a hugely impressive goals to games ratio. A technically-gifted and intelligent forward, Younghusband is equally comfortable leading the line himself or playing off a central striker.
Still only 31 and over six feet tall, Younghusband remains a handful for any defence, while he can also be a threat from long distance or dead ball situations.
What to look for
The Philippines find themselves in a difficult group alongside 2015 AFC Asian Cup runners-up Korea Republic, a very experienced China PR side and fellow debutants Kyrgyz Republic. If the Azkals are to get something out of their maiden campaign, Younghusband's experience and form in front of goal will be a crucial for his team.
Where and when to watch him
Philippines vs Korea Republic Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai Kick-off: January 7, 17:30 UTC+4
Philippines vs China PR Venue: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Kick-off: January 11, 17:30 UTC+4
Philippines vs Kyrgyz Republic Venue: Rashid Stadium, Dubai Kick-off: January 16, 17:30 UTC+4
