PSSI Praises John Herdman's Courage to Play Young Talent

JAKARTA - The General Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir praised the courage of the Indonesian national team coach John Herdman to play a number of young players when hosting Oman in the FIFA Match Day.

"I frankly respect coach John for daring to give opportunities to young players who previously Doni (Tri Pamungkas), now Matthew Baker is also played," said Erick after Indonesia's match against Oman at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Friday, June 5.

Indonesia won 3-0 over Oman and ended a 38-year streak of never defeating Oman since the 1988 King's Cup.

The hosts were aggressive and controlled the game to pick up the win thanks to goals from Justin Hubner, Ole Romeny, and Ragnar Oeratmangoen.

Herdman gave playing opportunities to three young talents as substitutes, namely Dony Tri Pamungkas (21 years), Matthew Baker (17 years), and Mauro Zijlstra (21 years).

Baker even set a record for the youngest player to appear with the Indonesian senior national team.

Erick said the young players who played in the important match showed the coach's commitment to developing Indonesian young talent.

According to Erick, giving opportunities to young players is very important to maintain the regeneration of the Indonesian national team so that it remains competitive in the long term. The combination of senior players and young players can create a good balance in the Garuda squad.

In addition, minutes playing at the international level accelerate the development of young players, especially in terms of playing experience, decision-making, and mental readiness to face the pressure of big matches.

Erick hopes that under the guidance of the English coach, more young players will shine as part of the regeneration of the national team players.

"Hopefully the regeneration of players will continue from the U-19 even from the younger to the senior players," said Erick.

Erick wants the national team to continue the victory when hosting Mozambique in the second FIFA Match Day on Tuesday (9/6) so as to boost Indonesia's ranking from 122nd place.