Maarten Paes Not Called Up, Here is the Complete Squad of the Indonesian National Team for the 2024 AFF Cup

Kapanlagi.com - The coach of the Indonesian National Team, Shin Tae-yong, has just announced the list of 33 players who will prepare for the 2024 AFF Cup! This prestigious tournament will take place from December 8, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and although it is not listed on the FIFA calendar, this opportunity becomes a crucial moment for the Garuda squad to showcase their prowess.

Interestingly, most of the players called up are young talents under 22 years old. Some familiar faces from the U-20 National Team, such as Dony Tri Pamungkas, Kadek Arel Priyatna, and Arkhan Kaka, are ready to bring a fresh perspective. However, Shin Tae-yong also does not forget experience by including several senior players like Asnawi Mangkualam and Pratama Arhan, who are expected to guide the younger players.

Not only relying on local talents, this South Korean coach has also called up several players who are playing abroad, such as Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, Marselino Ferdinan, and Rafael Struick.

However, interestingly, the name of goalkeeper Maarten Paes is not on the call-up list. This indicates Shin's focus on the player regeneration process to build a brighter future for the Indonesian National Team.

1. Focus on Young Players for National Team Regeneration

In an encouraging move, Shin Tae-yong has called up several talented young players, especially alumni of the U-20 National Team, to strengthen his squad.

Names like Dony Tri Pamungkas, Kadek Arel Priyatna, and Arkhan Kaka are now emerging stars expected to inject fresh spirit into the Garuda Team.

As expressed by Nova Arianto, the assistant coach, this strategy is part of Shin's efforts to build a strong next generation, with the hope that these young players will not only shine in the AFF Cup but also continue their journey to the senior team in the future.

2. Calling Up Players Abroad as the Backbone

The Indonesian national team is further strengthening its squad with the arrival of several talented players who are pursuing their careers abroad.

Justin Hubner, a tough defender from Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21, and Ivar Jenner, a smart midfielder from FC Utrecht U-21, are expected to solidify the team's defense and midfield.

Not only that, Marselino Ferdinan, who is now playing for Oxford United, and Rafael Struick from Brisbane Roar, are also joining the list of players.

Their presence brings a breath of fresh air to the Garuda squad, adding experience and quality thanks to their high playing time in international competitions.

3. Senior Players Remain Present to Add Experience

Although Shin Tae-yong prioritizes young players, he still relies on the experience of two senior stars, Asnawi Mangkualam and Pratama Arhan, to guide the young Indonesian squad in facing tough challenges in Group B.

With significant flight hours, both are expected to provide the right direction under the pressure of the matches.

Interestingly, this decision is also supported by the league conditions, where Asnawi and Arhan can join without obstacles as their club competition schedules have concluded before the tournament begins.

4. New Faces in the Indonesian National Team

The AFF Cup 2024 is the first stage for several young stars, such as Alfan Suaib, Mikael Alfredo Tata, Rivaldo Eneiro, and Armando Robert Oropa, who have caught the attention of coach Shin Tae-yong and his team over the past few months.

This is a valuable moment for them to prove their abilities and potential, with the hope of securing important places in the Indonesian national team in the future. With a high fighting spirit, these new players are ready to show that they deserve to compete at the highest level of Southeast Asian football.

List of Indonesian National Team Players for the AFF Cup 2024

Goalkeepers:

1. Cahya Supriadi (FC Bekasi City)
2. Daffa Fasya (Borneo FC Samarinda)
3. Erlangga Setyo (PSPS Pekanbaru)
4. Ikram Algiffari (Semen Padang)

Defenders:

1. Achmad Maulana Syarif (Arema FC)
2. Kadek Arel Priyatna (Bali United)
3. Alfan Suaib (Persebaya Surabaya)
4. Mikael Alfredo Tata (Persebaya Surabaya)
5. Dzaky Asraf (PSM Makassar)
6. Sulthan Zaky (PSM Makassar)
7. Dony Tri Pamungkas (Persija Jakarta)
8. Muhammad Ferarri (Persija Jakarta)
9. Kakang Rudianto (Persib Bandung)
10. Robi Darwis (Persib Bandung)
11. Justin Hubner (Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21, England)
12. Asnawi Mangkualam (Port FC, Thailand)
13. Pratama Arhan (Suwon FC, South Korea)

Midfielders:

1. Arkhan Fikri (Arema FC)
2. Rivaldo Eneiro (Borneo FC Samarinda)
3. Rayhan Hannan (Persija Jakarta)
4. Zanadin Fariz (Persis Solo)
5. Alfriyanto Nico (Dewa United)
6. Victor Dethan (PSM Makassar)
7. Ananda Raehan Alif (PSM Makassar)
8. I Made Tito Wiratama (Bali United)
9. Armando Robert Oropa (PSBS Biak)
10. Ivar Jenner (Jong Utrecht, Netherlands)
11. Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United, England)

Forwards:

1. Hokky Caraka (PSS Sleman)
2. Arsa Ramadan Ahmad (Madura United)
3. Arkhan Kaka (Persis Solo)
4. Rafael Struick (Brisbane Roar, Australia)
5. Ronaldo Kwateh (Muangthong United, Thailand)

5. Tough Group in the 2024 AFF Cup

The Indonesian national team is now preparing to face an exciting challenge in Group B, where they will compete against Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. This tournament is a significant moment for the young Garuda squad, which will be tested for its resilience, especially when facing Vietnam, one of the favorite championship teams.

The match schedule has also been set: starting on December 9, 2024, Indonesia will face Myanmar, followed by a match against Laos on December 12, a fierce battle against Vietnam on December 15, and ending with a duel against the Philippines on December 21.

6. Why was Maarten Paes not called up to the Indonesian National Team?

Maarten Paes was not included in the call-up list because coach Shin Tae-yong prefers to prioritize local players and those with experience in Southeast Asian competitions, who often show outstanding performance.

7. Who are the players abroad called up to the Indonesian National Team?

The Indonesian national team coach has called up several young stars playing abroad to strengthen the squad, including Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, Marselino Ferdinan, Rafael Struick, Asnawi Mangkualam, and Pratama Arhan.

8. What is the reason Shin Tae-yong called up the majority of young players?

Shin Tae-yong is ambitious to create a tough new generation by providing international experience to young players, so they are ready to contribute to the senior team in the future.

9. Which group is the Indonesian national team in for the AFF Cup 2024?

Indonesia is now in the challenging Group B, competing with neighboring countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos.

(kpl/rmt)