Vietnamese Media Flags Indonesia’s New Signings as a “Concern”

Vietnamese outlets, including Kompas.tv and VIVA.co.id, have highlighted the inclusion of Vickery and Baker as a strategic upgrade for Indonesia. According to Vietnamese reports, the players’ arrival—both of whom hold Australian passports—has sparked discussions about Indonesia’s competitive edge in Southeast Asia.

Vickery, a former A-League player with Melbourne Victory, brings experience from Australia’s top flight, while Baker, a midfielder with Premier League experience via Manchester United’s academy, adds tactical depth.

Key Stat: Indonesia has naturalized five players this year, with only Vickery and Baker officially registered by PSSI as of June 2024. The other three remain in the approval process.

Who Are Luke Vickery and Mitchell Baker?

Luke Vickery (Defender, 30)

• Former A-League player (Melbourne Victory, 2018–2022)
• Capped for Australia at U-20 level (never played senior national team)
• Naturalization process began in 2023; officially approved by PSSI in May 2024
• Height: 6’2″ (188 cm); known for aerial dominance and defensive organization

Mitchell Baker (Midfielder, 27)

• Graduated from Manchester United’s academy (2015–2017)
• Played for Premier League sides Leeds United (loan) and Championship clubs Bristol Rovers
• Naturalization approved alongside Vickery; first call-up expected for 2024 friendlies
• Strengths: Box-to-box energy, set-piece delivery, and leadership in midfield

Why This Matters for Indonesia’s Football Future

Indonesia’s naturalization push is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its squad ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup, where the team aims to improve its performance after a disappointing 2022 campaign. The inclusion of Vickery and Baker adds:

• Defensive Stability: Vickery’s experience in Australia’s top league could bolster Indonesia’s backline, which has struggled against faster Southeast Asian attackers.
• Midfield Creativity: Baker’s Premier League background provides a tactical upgrade in central midfield, where Indonesia has historically lacked depth.
• Psychological Edge: Vietnamese media’s reaction suggests Indonesia’s new signings are already being viewed as a competitive advantage in regional play.

Context: Indonesia has naturalized players before, including Evan Dimas (2019) and Ridwan Sananta (2021), but the current batch is the largest in a single year.

Vietnam’s Response: A Regional Rivalry Heats Up

Vietnamese outlets have framed the naturalization of Vickery and Baker as a direct challenge to their regional dominance. Kompas.tv quoted an unnamed Vietnamese football analyst as saying, “These players are not just additions—they are a statement of intent from Indonesia to compete at a higher level.”

While Vietnam remains the region’s powerhouse (ranked 97th in FIFA rankings as of June 2024), Indonesia (ranked 159th) has struggled to keep pace. The naturalized players could narrow the gap, particularly if they gel with homegrown talents like Rizky Ridho and Saddil Ramdhani.

Comparative Note: Thailand (ranked 103rd) and Malaysia (ranked 166th) have also pursued naturalization, but Indonesia’s recent approvals are the most high-profile in Southeast Asia this year.

What’s Next for Indonesia’s National Team?

Indonesia’s next major test comes in September 2024, when they face AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers. Vickery and Baker are expected to debut in friendlies against Vietnam and Malaysia in July.

Key Dates:

• July 10, 2024: Indonesia vs. Vietnam (friendly) – Potential debut for Vickery and Baker
• July 15, 2024: Indonesia vs. Malaysia (friendly)
• September 2024: AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers begin

Coach John Herdman (who took over in 2023) has praised the new signings, telling VIVA.co.id, “These players bring a different level of experience. Our focus now is integration and ensuring they fit seamlessly into the squad.”

FAQ: What Do the Naturalizations Mean for Indonesia?

Q: Are Vickery and Baker guaranteed to play in the AFF Suzuki Cup?

A: Not yet. Their inclusion depends on Herdman’s squad selection and their fitness. Both are expected to be in contention for the September qualifiers.

Q: Has Indonesia naturalized players before?

A: Yes. Notable examples include Evan Dimas (2019) and Ridwan Sananta (2021). However, this year’s batch is the largest in recent memory.

Q: Will this affect Indonesia’s FIFA ranking?

A: Possibly. If Vickery and Baker perform well in friendlies, it could improve Indonesia’s standing in the FIFA rankings, though results in competitive matches matter more.

Q: Are there concerns about naturalization rules?

A: Indonesia follows FIFA’s naturalization guidelines, which require players to have lived in the country for at least five years. Both Vickery and Baker meet these criteria.