China Relys On 5 Naturalized Players Against Indonesia, Who Are They?

Elkeson, a naturalized Chinese striker from Brazil. (photo: dock. between)

JAKARTA The Indonesian national team will face tough challenges when they host China at the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in the Asian zone 2026 World Cup Qualification continuation. This duel is very crucial for the Garuda squad, which is eyeing the group's top four positions to advance to the next round.

China itself is not playing games in preparing its squad. The Bamboo Curtain country has summoned five naturalized players who have qualified quality and international experience. Three of them are not even Chinese-blooded, which is also mentioned by the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir.

1. Jiang Guangtai (Tyias Browning) This Liverpool-born mother is an Everton academy product and has strengthened the England U-21 national team. Jiang, who has Chinese blood from her mother, decided to defend China since 2021. She is now the mainstay doorstop in the back line and is known for her solid duels, including against Witan Sulaeman in the first leg match.

2. Alan Carvalho Penyerang is a dangerous Brazilian who has now become a Chinese citizen. Alan, who has played for Red Bull Salzburg in Europe, is now strengthening Guangzhou FC. He made his debut with the Chinese national team in 2021 and has contributed three goals in 13 appearances.

3. Fernando Henrique da Conceicao (Fei Nanduo) The Srypto Paulo-born winger started his career in Brazil before performing brilliantly in the Portuguese League. Currently, he is strengthening Shanghai Shenhua. Naturalization in 2024 allowed him to defend China, and since his debut last March, he has scored one goal from six matches.

4. Nico Yennaris (Li Ke) This former young Arsenal player is a tough midfielder who set the tempo of China's game. He became China's first naturalized player in 2019 and is now strengthening Beijing Guoan. Li Ke became the mastermind of the game in midfield that could disrupt the distribution of the Indonesian national team ball.

5. Sharp ElkesonStricer who made history as the first foreign player without Chinese blood to be naturalized by China. He is known as the top scorer of the Chinese Super League and has been the main force of the national team's front line since 2019.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir responded critically to this naturalization phenomenon. He considered China should be ashamed to naturalize Chinese bloodless players, such as Elkeson, Alan, and Fernando.

"They should be more embarrassed, because they naturalize players without their blood," said Erick, Friday, May 30, while attending the AFF Cup draw in Bali.

In comparison, Erick said that only Maarten Paes did not have Indonesian blood in the Garuda squad. However, he is still legally naturalized because he has grandparents who come from Indonesia.

The first leg meeting at Qingdao in October 2024 ended in a narrow 1-2 defeat for Indonesia. The Garuda singles goal was scored by Thom Haye, while China scored two goals through Behham Abduweli and Zhang Yuning.

Now, the Indonesian national team must go all out to keep their chances of qualifying for the next phase. All eyes are focused on this hot match, will Jay Idzes et al be able to silence China's naturalized power?