Shin Tae-yong Has The Heart To Add Naturalized Players

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, is increasingly eager to add to the list of naturalized players. This cannot be separated from the success of the Garuda Squad stepping into the third round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification.

This assurance was achieved after the Garuda Squad won over the Philippines 2-0 in the final match of the second round at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 evening WIB.

Two goals from the Indonesian national team were contributed by one of the naturalized players, Thom Haye (32'), and doubled by Rizky Ridho (56'). Contribution to Thom Haye in the team further proves that Shin Tae-yong's decision to naturalize in order to sharpen the team was proven.

No wonder, Shin Tae-yong stated that the search for naturalized players is not over yet. The South Korean coach still intends to present more figures from Europe with Indonesian descendants.

"Indeed, if there are Indonesian players and their performance is good, they will definitely be submitted again (for naturalization)," said Shin Tae-yong in response to the question of naturalized players in a press conference after the match.

Meanwhile, Shin Tae-yong did not turn a blind eye to the evaluation after the match. Even though the final result of his team's victory, the coach feels that there are still things that need to be improved, especially the front line.

Therefore, he will continue to try to find players who have good finishing abilities. According to the coach, after reviewing the match against Iraq and the Philippines, his team had several opportunities that could not be converted into goals.

"Honestly, I can't give good grades to the front lines. Indeed, they have to evaluate themselves well. I will continue to look for other front players," said Shin Tae-yong.

Currently, there are several names of players in Europe linked to the Indonesian national team, such as Ole Romeny and Jairo Riedewald.

Romeny is a forward, while Riedewald is a midfielder who can also play defender.

Another name who plays the attacker and only has to take the oath to get the status of an Indonesian citizen is Jens Raven.

Raven is currently part of the U-20 Indonesian national team competing in the Maurice Revello Tournament 2024, known as the Toulon Cup.