Gerald Vanenburg Challenges Naturalized Players To Prove Yourself In The U-23 Indonesian National Team

Gerald Vanenburg emphasized that players must compete healthily in the U-23 Indonesian national team, both naturalized and localized (doc. Indonesian national team).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Gerald Vanenburg, challenged the naturalization players in his team to prove themselves.

Vanenburg stated that it was related to the agenda to be carried out, namely the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification. On that agenda, the team got strength from the presence of Dion Markx, who had just assumed the status of an Indonesian citizen.

However, Vanenburg doesn't want only the defender to be in the spotlight, he wants other players to compete in a healthy manner to prove themselves.

"It's not just Dion who was shown because there are 23 players here. We also have Jens (Raven), (Rafael) Struick, and other players."

"Of course it's nice for naturalized players to come, but they also have to show that they can be better than Indonesian players (from)," Vanenburg said in a press conference ahead of the match quoted on Wednesday, September 3.

In the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup Qualification, the U-23 Indonesian national team will start the struggle on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by facing Laos U-23 at the Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo.

Vanenburg wants a new figure to complete the naturalization process, Dion Markx, to be maximal, as well as other players.

"Players (from) Indonesia are also very liked and naturalized players are also Indonesian players. I came here to bring the best for us."

"So, here there are Hokky (Caraka), Kadek (Arel), and everyone. They must be able to go up to the level to give their best," said the Dutch coach.

The 61-year-old coach highlighted the playing minutes his team made. According to him, flying hours are an indicator of player quality because they can be seen on the field.

"In terms of performance and physical performance of Indonesian U-23 players, some of them were returned to the club. He played in the U-23 Indonesian national team, but only played 14 minutes at the club."

"If you don't play the next day, or just play in a friendly match, of course physically it will decrease, the quality will decrease. So, it is very important for clubs to provide opportunities and opportunities for them," said Vanenburg.