Rafael Struick Criticism: Dewa United Coach Responds
- Rafael Struick, the Indonesian national team player, is facing early pressure in his debut season with Dewa united.
- Struick saw limited action in Dewa United's opening match, a 3-1 loss to Malut United, playing only one half before being substituted for Stefano Lilipaly.
- Despite the criticism, Dewa United coach Jan Olde Riekerink is staunchly defending his young player.
dewa United’s Riekerink Defends Young star Rafael Struick Amidst Early Season Scrutiny
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Rising Star Under the Microscope
Rafael Struick, the Indonesian national team player, is facing early pressure in his debut season with Dewa united. After limited playing time in the first two matches of the Super League, the 22-year-old has become a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts.
Struick saw limited action in Dewa United’s opening match, a 3-1 loss to Malut United, playing only one half before being substituted for Stefano Lilipaly. He then entered the game in the 84th minute against Semen Padang,with Dewa United ultimately falling to a heartbreaking defeat after conceding two late goals in injury time.
Coach Riekerink Stands Firm
Despite the criticism, Dewa United coach Jan Olde Riekerink is staunchly defending his young player. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the United United Arena in Tangerang, Riekerink urged patience and a more nuanced perspective on Struick’s contributions.
“I do not doubt Rafael. I see him every day,people only see him playing 15-20 minutes. It’s funny, people are free to open about a young player,” Riekerink stated. He emphasized Struick’s talent while acknowledging areas for progress, particularly noting the player’s limited playing time with his former club, Brisbane Roar in Australia.
Riekerink challenged critics to look beyond brief appearances in matches, stating, “Thay (the critics) must see every training session, just be able to open. not in the 20 minutes of the match they see.”
Looking Ahead: National team Duties and Club Ambitions
Struick was left off the Indonesian national team roster for upcoming matches against kuwait and Lebanon, scheduled for september 5th and 8th. Though, he has reportedly been called up to the U-23 national team for the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers later in the same month.
Dewa United faces a crucial match against Persik Kediri on Friday, August 22nd, at the banten International Stadium. The team,nicknamed Banten Warriors,is eager to secure a victory and climb out of the relegation zone.