Saudi Arabia Vs Indonesia: The Value Of The Shin Tae Yong Troops Market Is Far Below Roberto Mancini

Firas Al-Buraikan, forward striker, and most expensive player in Saudi Arabia with a value of 6 million euros (Rp 103 billion). (photo;

JAKARTA - The meeting between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia on September 5 at King Abdullah Sports City, in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, was one of the most anticipated matches. With the difference in FIFA rankings and the significant market value of players, this match on paper seems to be very much in favor of Saudi Arabia.

Saat ini, Arab Saudi berada di peringkat 56 dunia dengan nilai pasar pemain sebesar 33.98 juta euro (Rp583,7 miliar), menurut situs transfermarkt. Firas Al-Buran, penyerang depan, adalah pemain terpentinggi di Arab Saudi dengan nilai 6 juta euro (Rp 103 miliar). Dengan skuat yang terdirikan pemain-main pengalaman, rata-rata usia pemain Arab Saudi adalah 26.9 tahun, menunjukkan perpadan antara pengalaman dan keteratan fisik.

Meanwhile, Indonesia ranks 133 in the world, far below Saudi Arabia. With a player market value of 16.73 million euros (Rp 287.3 billion), the Garuda Team also has a younger squad with an average age of 23.8 years. Thom haye is the most expensive player in the Indonesian squad with a value of 3 million euros (Rp 51.5 billion).

The difference in the overall market value between the two teams differed by Rp296.4 billion, this striking difference shows the great challenges Indonesia must face in their efforts to match Saudi Arabia's strengths.

Saudi Arabia, led by experienced coach Roberto Mancini, will take advantage of the home advantage and the team's quality advantage to gain three points. Strengthened by players like Salem Al Dawsari who almost reached 100 caps, Saudi Arabia has experienced players who are able to control the game.

On the other hand, Indonesia relies on young talents who mostly play in Europe, such as Maarten Paes and Nathan Tjoe-a-On. Although their market value is lower, the spirit and motivation to prove themselves on the international stage can be a strength in itself for Indonesia.

Differences in FIFA rankings and player market values show that Saudi Arabia excels in terms of experience and quality. However, Indonesia, which is under the tutelage of Shin Tae-yong, will try to put up maximum resistance even though it is in an underdog position. This match will be a tough test for the Garuda Team, but also an opportunity for young Indonesian players to show their abilities in front of the world.

With all the differences there is, this match is predicted to be dominated by Saudi Arabia. However, football is full of surprises, and Indonesia has the opportunity to make a surprise in this match.