JAKARTA - The plan to naturalize players for the U-19 Indonesia national team at the 2021 U-20 World Cup has resulted in a polemic. The naturalization program is considered a blunder decision that does not respect the talents of young Indonesian players.
According to former Indonesian national team player, Ponaryo Astaman, actually determining the players in the team is the coach's authority. He considered, coach Shin Tae-yong saw from a technical point of view that the quality of Indonesian players at this time could not compete at the World Cup level.
"However, in my opinion, naturalization should not be the only way. This is the last route that should be chosen," said Ponaryo in a talk on a private radio station.
He also highlighted the federation which should be able to emphasize Shin to keep using Indonesian native players. He hopes that PSSI will not only think about the target to excel in the upcoming U-20 World Cup.
According to him, there are bigger interests. Not only talking about the national team or the eleven players who represent Indonesia on the field. However, talk about the pride of the Indonesian nation.
"This event is a matter of pride, the dream of Indonesian children, not only those who later play, but those who just like watching football are also enthusiastic. It is a greater value as a nation that we must really consider," said the Chairman of the Indonesian Professional Players Association.
"Do not let the achievement target at the World Cup be sacrificed," he added.
Ponaryo emphasized that the potential for young players in Indonesia is actually very large. When it comes to young players, of course we talk about talent. The former Sriwijaya FC and Borneo FC player sees that Indonesia is never short of talented young Indonesian players. In fact, there are always and appear from year to year.
"If to the point of not believing in the talent or quality of our young players now, it's frankly bad," said Ponaryo.
"Because it is the task of the federation, when it comes to the national team, it should improve and improve the quality of the national team," he continued.
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