Indonesia is poised to fill all players, including the bench members, with naturalized athletes. Several players with Indonesian ancestry through their grandparents are being targeted. This time, Pascal Struijk (26), who is playing as a starting center-back for Leeds, the second place team in the English Championship, has emerged as a candidate.

On the 3rd (Korean time), 'OKZone Bola' reported that "three players of Indonesian descent playing in the English league could naturalize ahead of the matches against China and Japan. Among them, the player with the highest market value is said to be worth €16 million (approximately 25.7 billion won)."

Currently, Indonesian football dreams of its first independent qualification for the World Cup. Indonesia has participated in the 1938 France World Cup, which was held with 15 countries, but this was during its time as a Dutch colony and they did not go through effective qualifiers due to chaotic global circumstances. They suffered a heavy defeat of 6-0 to Hungary in the main tournament, resulting in a first-round exit.

Now, Indonesia aims to conquer the challenging Asian qualifiers and step onto the world stage. The central policy is to persuade naturalized players. With the backing of 'Dutch legend' Coach Kluivert, Indonesia seeks to assemble a team entirely of naturalized players. They are particularly targeting Dutch players with Indonesian ancestry among their grandparents.

The shocking dismissal of Coach Shin Tae-yong in January also stems from this context. At the time, the Shin Tae-yong-led team was ranked third in Group C with 1 win, 3 draws, and 2 losses in the World Cup third round qualifiers. They defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 and managed a scoreless draw against Australia, unlike Coach Patrick Kluivert, who suffered a 1-5 defeat.

However, Eric Thohir, president of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), fired Coach Shin, who had dedicated five years, overnight and immediately appointed Coach Kluivert. At the time, he argued that a leader was needed who could execute the strategy that the players agreed upon better, communicate more effectively, and implement a better program for the entire national team.

In fact, after appointing Coach Kluivert, the PSSI has accelerated its naturalization efforts. Goalkeeper Emil Audero (Palermo), who formerly played for Juventus, and Pelupesi (Romsel SK), who played in Belgium, along with James (Head Eagles), who are active in the Netherlands, have newly joined Indonesia. The squad has already changed significantly since the Shin Tae-yong era.

Last month against Australia, 10 out of the starting 11 players were naturalized athletes. However, Coach Kluivert faced considerable criticism after suffering a heavy 1-5 defeat in his debut away match against Australia. He turned the tide with a 1-0 victory in the subsequent home game against Bahrain. If they can defeat China in the upcoming 9th qualifying match, they could maintain their chances for World Cup qualification.

As a result, the PSSI seems to be ramping up its naturalization policy ahead of the A matches against China and Japan in June. OKZone Bola noted, "The Indonesian national team's arduous struggle is not over yet. The team has two matches left against China and Japan," adding, "With an important mission ahead, Indonesia can bring in several new players, including those active in England."

The media mentioned a total of three players. Jensen Schilt, a defender born in 2003 associated with Sunderland in the second division, winger Millian Manhuf (Stoke City), who has played alongside Bae Jun-ho, and Struijk, who plays as a starter at Leeds, are in consideration. All hold Dutch nationality.

Schilt is a tall defender at 192 cm, known for being a youth product of PSV Eindhoven, where Park Ji-sung played. OKZone Bola explained, "There have been rumors that Schilt was once a target of Coach Shin Tae-yong. He is said to have inherited Indonesian roots from his grandfather, who is known to be from Ambon. Considering his young age, he could be a promising asset."

Manhuf is an attacking resource playing in the third division for Stoke. The media reported, "Manhuf recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in 28 league matches. He is believed to have Surinamese and Indonesian ancestry, and can play in various positions including right winger, left back, and left winger. Though it may not be easy, Manhuf has the potential to become a new player for the Indonesian national team."

The player generating the most anticipation is Struijk. He progressed through the Ajax academy and developed with the Leeds youth team, having been a mainstay since 2018. This season, he has played in 37 matches and scored 5 goals, leveraging his height of 190 cm and aerial ability.

OKZone Bola emphasized, "Struijk's market value is €16 million (according to Transfermarkt). He is said to have inherited Indonesian roots from his grandfather. If Struijk can join the Indonesian national team, his abilities could clearly bolster the defense line."

Currently, Leeds is in second place in the Championship. If Leeds is promoted to the Premier League and Struijk chooses the Indonesian national team, Indonesia will gain a Premier League player. Although he has never played for the Netherlands U-17 team, the fact that he has no capped match experience poses no obstacle to naturalization.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's push for naturalization does not end here. The PSSI is also targeting promising 2004-born defender Tristan Hӧyer (currently on loan at Zwolle), Miliano Jonathan (Utrecht), and Jayden Osterwalder (Fenerbahçe). In fact, Hӧyer has openly acknowledged the possibility of naturalization, and Jonathan is reportedly set to join the Indonesian national team after his father converted to Islam.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (prohibited from unauthorized reproduction and redistribution), Indonesian national team, Struijk, Schilt social media.

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