Our Goal editors #RiskEverything by picking their nominee for the Goal player of the tournament presented by Nike. Philippines ace Phil is gunning for a record, can he make it?

PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND: TOP GUN



The Philippines captain was central to his team's success in qualifying for the semi-final. He bagged two goals and one assist, and also was voted as man of the match in two games by Goal. With his first goal against Laos in the first group game, Phil made a history by becoming the first Filipino player to score in three successive AFF Suzuki Cup tournaments. Phil also has a chance of becoming the Filipino top goalscorer in the tournament's history along with Alfredo Gonzalez - both of them notching four goals in total now.

THE STATS



The 27-year-old striker threatened early on in the opening match against Laos and was the focal point of the Azkals attack, dragging defenders along with him to eventually create the equalising goal for Rota 5 minutes before the break. A minute later, Younghusband nodded in his first goal of this edition.The 2012 AFC Challenge Cup golden boot winner scored his 42nd international goal through a penalty kick in the 16th minute against Indonesia and the Loyola Meralco Sparks target man continued his fine form in leading the team to a 4-0 drubbing of the Merah Putih but their winning run ended in a 3-1 defeat to Vietnam.Phil Younghusband is your traditional target man, strong and quick, he is the first line of defence for his team with his tireless running and the focal point of an attacking unit that is well versed in transitioning play be it from the flanks or through the middle. Confident and skillful, the Surrey-born striker will take half-chances to rattle the opposing keeper's nerves.The face of a football revival, Phil is the younger brother of James Younghusband who is also his teammate in the United Football League. A cool head on and off the pitch, Phil is the embodiment of Filipino pride and synergy. Already a record-breaker on his own, the striker will no doubt be at the forefront of another historic run, especially after beating Indonesia for the first time in 80 years.It's tough enough to be a target man, a captain and the face of your country's football revival, but to pull off the top assists for the group stage at the same time? Class. Don't forget the charm factor in which Phil Younghusband rarely turns down an opportunity for an autograph or an interview and you have got yourself a genuine contender for the Goal best player nominee.Also, he was the one who took the quick free-kick against Indonesia inside the penalty box which unceremoniously ended the contest for the Merah Putih squad. Wits and cunning. A player who is not afraid to #RiskEverything - Phil Younghusband.