Players Who Used to Be Mainstays for Shin Tae-Yong Are Now Eliminated in the Era of Patrick Kluivert

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian National Team is undergoing a significant transformation under the guidance of new coach, Patrick Kluivert. In the call-up of 27 players to face Australia and Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, several names that were previously mainstays for coach Shin Tae-Yong now have to accept being sidelined. The question arises: is Kluivert's strategy vastly different from his predecessor?

Several players who regularly featured during Shin Tae-Yong's era are now forced to step aside, even though they have a wealth of experience and contributions that cannot be overlooked for the Indonesian National Team in recent years. Coaching changes often bring alterations to the team lineup, but this decision still sparks heated debates among football fans in the homeland.

Who are the players that had to leave the Indonesian National Team roster in Kluivert's era? Let's take a look at the complete review based on the latest data from PSSI and their performances at their respective clubs.

1. Asnawi Mangkualam: Captain of the Shin Tae-Yong Era Who is Now Left Out

Asnawi Mangkualam, a familiar figure in the Indonesian national team's defense under the leadership of Shin Tae-Yong, is now facing a new challenge in the era of coach Patrick Kluivert. This former Garuda captain is known for his fighting spirit and leadership on the field, but his name did not make it onto the list of 27 players called up this time.

Despite strengthening Port FC in the Thai League and recording impressive statistics with one goal and four assists from 29 matches, Kluivert seems to prefer Kevin Diks and Sandy Walsh to fill the right fullback position.

Previously, Asnawi was also overlooked when the national team played against Saudi Arabia and Japan in November 2024. Does this indicate that Asnawi's journey with the Indonesian national team is coming to an end?

2. Yakob Sayuri: Impressive Performance That Is Still Not Convincing Enough

Yakob Sayuri has caught attention in Liga 1 for the 2024/2025 season with his impressive performances for Malut United, where he managed to score six goals and provide six assists from 21 matches, an outstanding achievement for a player who often operates as a right fullback.

However, Yakob's fortune seems to not be in his favor, as he is not part of coach Kluivert's plans. At the age of 27, Yakob has to compete closely with stars like Eliano Reijnders, Egy Maulana Vikri, and Ole Romeny for the right winger position, while in the right fullback position, Kevin Diks and Sandy Walsh are the main choices.

Kluivert's decision reflects his tendency to choose experienced players who have competed at higher levels, such as in Europe.

3. Witan Sulaeman: Hard to Shine in the League, Hard to Join the National Team

Witan Sulaeman, the field star who has always been a mainstay for Shin Tae-Yong in recent years, now faces a significant challenge. The situation at his club, Persija Jakarta, seems to be affecting his chances of appearing for the Indonesian National Team.

This season, Witan has not shown the form expected; from 22 matches in Liga 1 2024/2025, he has yet to score a goal and has only managed to provide four assists. More surprisingly, he has spent more time on the bench, having only started twice in the last six matches.

With his performance not being optimal, coach Patrick Kluivert seems to prefer other players who show consistency at the club level.

4. Yance Sayuri: Injuries and Tight Competition as Obstacles

Twin brothers Yakob and Yance Sayuri had to swallow a bitter pill after their names were not included in the Indonesian National Team squad. Although both showed outstanding performances in the domestic league, they had to acknowledge the superiority of other players who were more consistent.

Moreover, the injury that had troubled Yance seems to have also become an obstacle for his chances. Coach Patrick Kluivert chose to prioritize players with better physical condition ahead of the crucial matches against Australia and Bahrain.

This decision reflects Kluivert's different preferences in assembling the team, leaving a surprising mark for football fans in the country.

5. FAQ

1. Why was Asnawi Mangkualam not called up to the Indonesian National Team?

Asnawi Mangkualam was not called up because Patrick Kluivert preferred Kevin Diks and Sandy Walsh for the right fullback position. Additionally, his performance at Port FC was deemed insufficient to guarantee a spot in the squad.

2. Does Witan Sulaeman still have a chance to return to the National Team?

Yes, Witan Sulaeman's chances of returning to the Indonesian National Team are still open. If he can improve his performance at the club and get more playing time, it is possible that he will be called up again.

3. Does this exclusion indicate that Patrick Kluivert wants to change the playing style of the Indonesian National Team?

Yes, the exclusion of several players indicates that Kluivert has a different approach in building the Indonesian National Team, prioritizing players who play at a higher competitive level and have stable performances.

(kpl/rmt)