JAKARTA - Dewa United coach Jan Olde Riekerink has responded to Rafael Struick's lackluster performance in the 2025/2026 Super League. Riekerink has asked the public not to criticize the player.
In Dewa United's two matches at the start of the 2025/2026 Super League season, Rafael Struick, a member of the Indonesian national team, has consistently received playing time. However, the 22-year-old striker has yet to score a single goal.
Riekerink is aware that this situation has drawn intense scrutiny from supporters and the public. However, he hopes support will continue to flow to the former Brisbane Roar player.
"I have no doubts about him. I see him every day. People only see him play for 45 minutes or five minutes," Riekerink said in a statement in Tangerang, quoted on Friday, August 22, 2025.
As a coach, Riekerink believes Struick is a player with great potential. He saw this from the player's training methods.
"It's funny, isn't it? When a young player like that gets people to comment. He has talent and has made a lot of progress. I'm happy with him."
"He has a lot of room to develop. However, please don't judge him; let's see how he trains before forming an opinion," said the coach.
Although he's not yet sharp enough for the team, Riekerink is pleased that Rafael Struick has been called up to the Indonesian U-23 national team, which will compete in the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers.
"We have many potential players. (For the call-up) to the Indonesian U-23 national team, Rafael Struick is one. The point is, we always support the national team," he said.
Struick was called up to the Indonesian U-23 national team again after his last appearance for the Garuda Muda in May 2024 in the Paris 2024 Olympic Playoffs. The former ADO Den Haag player was also a key part of the Red and White squad at the 2024 AFC U-23 Championship.
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