Nathan Tjoe-A-On Naturalization Completed, The Competition For The Left-back Of The Indonesian National Team Is Getting Tighter

Nathan Tjoe-A-On can be plotted as a left and center back (Instagram/@nathantjoeaon).

JAKARTA - Nathan Tjoe-A-On officially completed the naturalization process following the oath-taking of Indonesian citizens (WNI) on Monday, March 11, 2024, WIB night. Nathan's presence will further enliven the competition in the position of left-back of the Indonesian national team.

Through his personal Instagram account, Nathan shared the moment when he took an oath at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Jakarta. With a black suit and wearing a skullcap, Nathan did not forget to thank all parties who helped smooth the oath process.

"I thank everyone who has helped with this process. See you next week," Nathan wrote accompanying his upload with the emoji of the Indonesian flag and fire.

Nathan was previously scheduled to take the oath of Indonesian citizens in December 2023 with Jay Idzes. However, the agenda was postponed due to clashes with the schedule of his club, Swansea City.

After that, Nathan was scheduled to take the oath of Indonesian citizens in January 2024. However, the schedule shifted.

Nathan Tjoe-A-On has officially been loaned to Erediviise club SC Heerenveen, from January 2024 to the end of this season.

Together with his new club, he got the leniency to be able to complete naturalization and be able to join the Indonesian national team.

The presence of Nathan Tjoe-A-On clearly makes Shin Tae-yong as the head coach of the Indonesian national team have many options in left-wing defenders.

Before Nathan was called, Shin Tae-yong already had three players who subscribed to play at the left post of the Indonesian national team defense. They are Pratama Arhan, Shayne Pattynama, and Edo Febriansah.

Arhan often appears as the main choice even though he rarely becomes a starting player at his club. This was proven when Arhan remained Shin Tae-yong's mainstay in the 2023 Asian Cup.

Then, Shayne Pattynama was actually prepared as the main pillar of the left back. However, his more frequent injury condition made Shayne have to shift to a coating.

Since debuting when the Indonesian national team played Argentina in 2023, Pattynama has only made six appearances.

When the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, the 25-year-old was not optimal for Red and White because his mother was sick. During the 2023 Asian Cup, Pattynama only appeared once against Australia in the last 16.

Then there is Edo Febriansah. This Persib Bandung player is often used as a coating by the coach. He is dominantly played as a substitute or core player in an undetermined test match.

Well, Nathan's presence made Shin Tae-yong even richer in making the squad. Especially in the near future the Indonesian national team will appear against Vietnam in the second round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification.

In addition to adding to the fierce competition for left-backs, Nathan can also be plotted to play in the heart of defense.

Nathan Tjoe-A-On is expected to adapt quickly considering that the Indonesian national team's agenda against Vietnam is close.

He will take part in the training camp on March 17, 2024. Meanwhile, the Garuda vs Vietnam squad match will be held on March 21 and March 26, 2024.