How Can Savero and Aeronnshikii Create Impact in MPL Philippines?

MPL Philippines has created a new history from their first imported players from Indonesia, Savero from ONIC PH and Aeronnshikii from Team Liquid PH.

At first glance, both of them are seen as “excess” for their respective teams, cast aside as a surplus but too wasteful to let go.

But their transfer might prove to be a testing ground for both ONIC’s and Team Liquid’s cross-region development programs. We usually see Philippine players move to Indonesia to improve team performance. What about the other way around? What can Savero and Aeronnshiki bring to spice up the competition at the MPL Philippines?

We gathered MPL Indonesia’s interview with Indonesian MLBB experts: former coaches, players, and also content creators to weigh in with their opinions about Indonesian imports in MPL Philippines. How can they adapt? What will they learn in the Philippines?

Cultural and language barrier

One of the strengths of the Philippines’ MLBB team is their chemistry: they are generally a homogenous team consisting dominantly of Tagalog-speaking players. Paired with a strong average player base, PH teams are close-knit, and you can clearly see it in their gameplay doctrine, such as the UBE meta.

How will Indonesian players such as Savero and Aeronnshiki adapt to this unfamiliar language, culture, and mindset? Former players Xinnn and Luminaire said it will be a great challenge for them.

“They probably went to MPL PH to face tougher competition. Adaptation might be challenging because of the Tagalog communication, but they should be able to learn it over time,” said Xinnn.

“Savero and Aeronn are really cool—the first imports in the PH scene. Hopefully they achieve something there. Adapting might be tough due to the culture and language, but in-game they should be fine since they’re still young,” added Luminaire.

We can see that both Xinnn and Luminaire are positively confident that Savero and Aeronnshikii can adapt well. This factor isn’t just on their personal level but also comes from their team ecosystem.

Both ONIC and Team Liquid have a strong cross-region symbiosis. Their Indonesian and Philippine divisions are constantly working together for both of their own benefit. They did more than just regular scrims, but also knowledge sharing.

Working under the same management, the ID and PH divisions of ONIC and Team Liquid are working as one to push each other into greatness. With this fact, we believe both Aeronnshikii and Savero can do well in MPL Philippines.

More challenges in the Philippines

Moreover, MPL Philippines is also considered one of the best MPL leagues. As the winner of 6 M Series titles, this is an undisputed fact.

This might just be one of the biggest reasons for importing Savero and Aeronnshikii: a challenge for their personal development. Both of them are great players who proved their worth. As a victim of circumstances, moving them to the PH division might just be a better move for their development.

“Savero and Aeronn are both young talents with big potential. I once thought they’d fit in some ID teams, but they ended up going to PH. With their MPL experience, adapting shouldn’t be too hard, and they might even improve there because the competition and discipline are stronger,” said streamer and former EVOS coaching staff Ade Setiawan.

The sentiment is also shared by RRQ legend R7. “It’s a great move, especially since they didn’t play much last MPL ID season and Aeron was inactive. Hopefully they adapt quickly. With strong ambition and a supportive environment, they should be fine.”

“Players who move abroad usually want new experiences, develop their careers, and learn a different meta,” added streamer Pascol. “The adaptation shouldn’t be too hard, maybe about a month for team chemistry and language. Hopefully Indonesian players overseas can grow and adapt quickly.”

MPL Philippines Season 17 will start next week on March 20. We will see how both these players will fare against the Philippines’ best.