Naturalization Of National Team Players Dominated Behind Jay Idzest's Presence, Here's An Explanation From PSSI Chairman

Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - Jay Idzest has been introduced as a candidate for naturalization for the Indonesian national team. If the administrative process is completed, Idzest will be part of the Red and White squad to strengthen the back line.

The presence of this Dutch passport player will increase the dominance of naturalized players in the national team who are positioned as defenders. What is the reason?

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said this was beyond his control and the federation. Because he said there was no benchmark about what positions players could join the national team.

"I can't say it's right or wrong if it's (the dominance of naturalized players in the position of defenders), because it all depends on who wants to join (as Indonesian players)," said Erick Thohir when met at the Madya Stadium, Senayan on Friday, September 8.

According to Erick Thohir's view, he does not want to discriminate between players, be it naturalization or pure descent. Because for him, whoever intends to join nationalism is high, they have a great chance to defend the national team.

"We (PSSI) must foster, there is nothing different about it (naturalization or pure player). Because for me as long as they want to be part of the red and white (team) and there is Indonesian blood, they are all our brothers and have the opportunity," continued the SOE minister.

The national team mostly accepted the naturalization of foreign players who were positioned as defenders. Call it Elkan Baggott, Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattinama and Jordi Amat

But beyond that, PSSI remains with open arms accepting players in other positions. An example is when PSSI naturalized Rafael Struick and Ivar Jenner.

The two players are figures who are projected to fill the U-20 national team with their respective positions, namely midfielders and strikers.