Football Tribe SEA Editor
Port FC have once again made a splash in the transfer market, completing moves for Police Tero’s famed Aksornsri brothers, Thitawee and Thitathorn.
The Thai U23 internationals are two of the most sought-after rising talents in the country and quickly became available on the transfer market as a result of Police Tero’s financial difficulties.
After solid campaigns in T2, where the pair took a leading role in helping their club back to the big time, Thitawee and Thitathorn were recognized by National Team coach Akira Nishino, who gave the pair a big chance at the AFC U23 Championships back in January.
Left-back Thitathorn impressed most, even earning a spot on some viewers’ teams-of-the-tournament lists. Unlike most of his competition in that position, Thitathorn’s foremost trait is his defensive solidity and awareness, offering a very different option down the flank.
Meanwhile, nominal center-back Thitawee, who is also comfortable on the right, brings plenty of energy to his roles. While he is yet to solidify his position, he has shown plenty of potential in both. Given their height and physical presence, it isn’t hard to see them both moving into the middle in the future and could be especially potent on either side of a back three given their pace and mobility.
Young Players Struggling at the PAT
The Aksornsri twins’ move to Port has raised some eyebrows as some worry that it could serve to hinder their career. The Klongtoey outfit is incredibly well-staffed in defense, having just recently signed Adisorn Promrak from Muangthong to add to their already long list. The side now has four incredibly solid options at left-back, all of whom would probably start regularly at any other T1 club.
More worryingly, the Aksornsri twins could soon join a growing list of promising young players struggling for game time at the PAT Stadium. The side completed deals for five players aged 23 or younger in the off-season window, even before signing Thitawee and Thitathorn, to add to an already over-filled squad.
Players like Kanarin Thawornsak and Jaturapat Sattham, who were looking like potential stars after incredibly promising campaigns last season, will struggle for opportunities that they could easily get elsewhere at critical junctures in their careers.
Unless the side prepares to loan out or intentionally develop a number of these players, it is hard to see the Aksornsri twins avoiding the same pitfalls. For two incredibly promising talents, regular game time is crucial for their development, and fans hope that Port find a way to deliver on that.