Jakarta, Indonesia – John Herdman, recently appointed as the head coach of the Indonesian national team, is exploring options to bolster his squad with naturalized players. As he looks to build a competitive team for the FIFA Series and beyond, three players currently competing in Europe have emerged as potential targets, offering a blend of goal-scoring ability and international experience.
Herdman, who officially took the reins in early , has made it clear that adding players with a high level of tactical intelligence and experience in competitive international environments is a priority. “To be able to compete on the world stage, you need players of level one and two, players who play in the top five leagues in the world,” he stated upon his introduction. He emphasized that Indonesia is at a point where quality players are increasingly interested in representing the nation.
The new coach is also keen to tap into the talent pool of Indonesian diaspora players based across Europe. His immediate focus is on assembling a squad for the FIFA Series matches at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium from to .
Dean Zandbergen: A Rising Striker in the Netherlands
Leading the list of potential naturalization candidates is Dean Zandbergen, a 24-year-old striker currently playing for VVV-Venlo in the second tier of Dutch football. Zandbergen has impressed this season, contributing five goals and three assists in 24 appearances. His goal-scoring form has caught the attention of Herdman’s scouting network.
Zandbergen, who has Indonesian heritage through his mother, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of representing Indonesia. “I was very excited when I heard rumors about the opportunity to play for the Indonesian national team, and if This proves possible, I would definitely do it,” he said in a recent interview. His willingness to commit to the national team is a significant factor in his consideration.
Samuel Silalahi: A Productive Attacking Midfielder from Norway
Another player on Herdman’s radar is Samuel Silalahi, a young talent from Norway. Born in Oslo on , Silalahi currently plays for Strømsgodset Toppfotball 2. The attacking midfielder has proven to be a prolific goalscorer, netting 19 goals in 72 matches. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him an attractive prospect for the Indonesian national team.
Silalahi’s Batak heritage further strengthens his eligibility for naturalization. His performances in the Norwegian leagues have demonstrated his potential, and Herdman will likely be assessing his suitability for the national team setup.
Further Assessment and Herdman’s Strategy
While these three players represent promising options, Herdman is taking a measured approach to naturalization. Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, revealed that Herdman intends to first evaluate the existing squad before making any decisions about bringing in new players. “He wants to know for sure first. From there, he will know the best composition, because every coach has a different composition, adjusted to his game scheme,” Sinulingga explained.
This strategy reflects Herdman’s desire to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current team before adding new elements. He wants to ensure that any new players seamlessly integrate into his tactical plans and contribute to the overall team dynamic. The upcoming FIFA Series will provide a valuable opportunity for Herdman to assess the existing players and determine where reinforcements are needed.
Herdman recently returned from a scouting trip to Europe, where he observed several Indonesian players playing abroad, including Dean James, Kevin Diks, and Jay Idzes. He also met with Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Calvin Verdonk, Emil Audero, Miliano Jonathans, and Maarten Paes. This trip allowed him to gain firsthand insights into the potential of these players and their suitability for the national team.
Despite the interest in naturalizing new players, Herdman has emphasized that he will prioritize optimizing the current squad for the FIFA Series. According to Sinulingga, the timing is not ideal for a lengthy naturalization process, making it more realistic to focus on the players already available. This decision underscores Herdman’s commitment to building a strong foundation with the existing talent pool.
The FIFA Series will serve as a crucial testing ground for Herdman’s strategies and tactics as he prepares the team for the AFF Cup and the long-term goal of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. The matches against Saint Kitts & Nevis and either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands will provide valuable insights into the team’s capabilities and areas for improvement.
The PSSI is also strengthening the coaching structure around Herdman, appointing local coaches to support the adaptation and development of strategies within the senior team. This collaborative approach aims to create a cohesive and effective coaching setup that will help the Indonesian national team achieve its ambitious goals.
