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PSSI is targeting the 2030 World Cup, focusing on recruiting young European talents.
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Leeds defender Pascal Struijk is a priority for naturalization in the back line.
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Winger Stoke Manhoef and Genk talent Mirisola are also being chased by PSSI.
Suara.com – Even though the Indonesian National Team’s hard efforts to reach the 2026 World Cup finals have to stop, the enthusiasm for building a new strength must not be extinguished.
This defeat opened a new page in PSSI’s ambitious project to form a stronger squad, looking towards the 2027 Asian Cup and most importantly the 2030 World Cup.
PSSI is now shifting its focus to several names of players of descent who have careers in European competitions, who have great potential to become Garuda’s main pillars in the future.
One of the names that stands out the most and has the potential to fill the heart of the Indonesian National Team’s defense is Pascal Struijk.
Leeds United’s mainstay defender has consistently demonstrated his quality in the English league and is considered to have high capability to strengthen the Garuda Squad’s back line.
His status meets the requirements to change federations, referring to FIFA regulations Article 7, because he has never appeared for the Dutch senior team.
Another important fact is that Struijk has gone three years without playing for a Dutch youth team, making him the most ideal candidate for naturalization.
With Indonesian bloodlines in his family tree, the door for Struijk to wear the Red and White uniform is very wide open.
If PSSI acts quickly, Struijk’s presence will provide a significant improvement to the national team’s defense wall.
Also Read: Welcome Players from IDR 1.3 Billion, Hopefully the Indonesian National Team will Rise Again
The second name that attracts attention in the attack sector is Million Manhoef, an agile winger who currently plays in the Championship with Stoke City.
His speed and flexible technical ability to play various attacking positions make him a valuable asset for Garuda.
Manhoef also meets the FIFA Article 7 criteria, where he has never played at senior level for the Dutch national team.
Even though he had played for the Dutch U-21 national team, this was not an obstacle to changing federations.
This player, who is known to have Dutch, Indonesian and Surinamese blood, can expedite the naturalization process as long as he has strong proof of Indonesian ancestry.
The third target is a young talent who perhaps hasn’t been talked about much, namely Robin Mirisola, a player who plays at Belgium’s top club, KRC Genk.
Worth a look
