Ahead of the 2024 AFF Cup, Justin Hubner, Rafael Struick, and Ivar Jenner Are Expected to Represent the Indonesian National Team

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian National Team is once again capturing attention ahead of the 2024 AFF Cup or ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup! Coach Shin Tae-yong is preparing strategies by calling up several players from abroad to strengthen the Garuda squad in this prestigious tournament.

Among the names being considered are Justin Hubner from Wolves U-21, Ivar Jenner who plays for Jong Utrecht, and Rafael Struick from Brisbane Roar. However, these call-ups still depend on permission from their respective clubs, considering that the AFF Cup is not included in the official FIFA calendar.

"The assistant coach of the Indonesian National Team, Nova Arianto, revealed, 'There are several players from abroad that we are calling, such as Justin, Ivar, and Rafael. We will see if their clubs allow it or not,'" said Nova in his interview with Liputan6 Sport.

With the addition of these players, the hope for achieving better results in the AFF Cup is growing stronger! Let's wait for further developments!

1. Who Are the Players That Will Be Called Up?

Justin Hubner, a talented young defender from Wolves U-21, is now the main focus of coach Shin Tae-yong in an effort to strengthen the Garuda squad. Not only Hubner, but Ivar Jenner from Jong Utrecht and Rafael Struick from Brisbane Roar are also on the radar, thanks to their commitment to representing the Indonesian National Team.

With experience playing in overseas competitions, they are expected to bring a higher quality touch to the team. In addition, senior players like Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United), Pratama Arhan (Suwon FC), and Asnawi Mangkualam (Port FC) are also expected to join, promising a promising combination of young talent and solid experience.

2. Challenges of Calling Up Foreign Players

Although Shin Tae-yong is ambitious about relying on the strength of diaspora players, significant challenges loom ahead. The AFF Cup, which is not listed on the official FIFA calendar, gives clubs full rights to withhold their players. Nova Arianto also emphasized, "Because the AFF Cup is not on the FIFA calendar, everything depends on the club's permission. We hope they are willing to join to strengthen the team." This situation forces PSSI and the coaching staff to conduct intensive lobbying with clubs to ensure that the targeted players can bolster the squad.

3. Schedule and Group of the Indonesian National Team in the AFF Cup 2024

The AFF Cup 2024 tournament is set to shake Southeast Asia from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and Indonesia will fight in Group B alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.

The Indonesian National Team's first match will start on December 9, 2024, against Myanmar, followed by an exciting duel against Laos on December 12, Vietnam on December 15, and the Philippines on December 21. With a composition filled with quality players, including new talents from the diaspora eager to showcase their abilities on the international stage, the Garuda squad is ready to deliver captivating performances that will enchant fans!

4. Shin Tae-yong's Role in Shaping the U-22 National Team

Although this event is aimed at the U-22 National Team, coach Shin Tae-yong, known for his disciplined approach and quality, will not underestimate this opportunity. By combining local young talents, diaspora players, and several senior names, Shin is determined to take Indonesia further in the AFF Cup 2024. The failure in the previous edition serves as a motivation to perform even better this time.

5. Who are the foreign players that will be called up for the AFF Cup 2024?

In the exciting spotlight of the football world, names like Justin Hubner from Wolves U-21, Ivar Jenner who strengthens Jong Utrecht, and Rafael Struick from Brisbane Roar now adorn the list of talented players ready to steal the spotlight. All three show extraordinary potential that could change the course of their careers and make them stars on a bigger stage.

6. What are the obstacles to calling up diaspora players for the AFF Cup?

Since the AFF Cup is not listed on the FIFA calendar, clubs have full rights to retain their star players, meaning we might not see some familiar faces in action at this prestigious tournament.

7. Will senior players also be called up?

Amidst increasingly intensive preparations, our team has a great opportunity to be strengthened by talented young stars like Marselino Ferdinan, Pratama Arhan, and Asnawi Mangkualam, who are ready to shake up the field with high energy and fighting spirit!

8. When does the AFF Cup 2024 start?

The AFF Cup 2024 is set to shake up the Southeast Asian football scene from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and this is a crucial moment for the Indonesian National Team to showcase their best abilities. With attention focused on talented diaspora players such as Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, and Rafael Struick, coach Shin Tae-yong is determined to assemble an unbeatable team. However, challenges with club permissions remain a hurdle that must be overcome. Will the synergy between local and diaspora players be able to elevate Garuda to great heights and achieve remarkable success on the Southeast Asian stage?

(kpl/ank)