Indonesian-Dutch defender Damian van Dijk has sparked speculation over a potential international future with the Skuad Garuda by reacting to social media chatter linking him to national team manager John Herdman, according to reporting from VIVA.co.id. The 22-year-old centre-back, who currently plays for FC Bruno’s Magpies in the Gibraltar National League, responded with a smiling emoji to an Instagram post by @timnasdiasporaa detailing his eligibility to represent Indonesia.
Social Media Hints Follow New Inquiries Into PSSI Contact
The online interaction follows renewed communication between the defender and the Football Association of Indonesia, commonly known as PSSI. Speaking in an interview released on February 20, 2026, through YouTube channel creator Yussa Nugraha, Van Dijk revealed that initial talks took place years earlier, during the tenure of manager Shin Tae-yong’s early youth roster cycles alongside players such as Ivar Jenner. At that time, federation officials indicated they would monitor his progress once he reached senior professional training. Having subsequently trained and debuted with the senior squad at Telstar in the Netherlands, Van Dijk reached back out to the federation, only to receive congratulatory messages without further immediate advancement regarding selection.
John Herdman Targets Roster Additions Ahead of 2027 Asian Cup
The resurfacing of Van Dijk’s name coincides with broader plans under John Herdman to bolster the national team pool ahead of the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The English head coach indicated in October 2026 that fresh personnel could be integrated into the squad over the subsequent six months. Standing at 1.93 meters with family roots tracing back to Bogor through his father, Van Dijk joins a wider network of players with Indonesian heritage evaluated for defensive depth. While reporting from TribunWow noted that the defender has previously recorded strong individual match ratings reaching up to 8.4 in his career, exact figures regarding recent scouting metrics remain unconfirmed by technical staff.
Player Confirms Ongoing Discussions While Keeping Terms Private
Van Dijk confirmed to Yussa Nugraha that direct contact and telephone conversations with PSSI representatives have resumed during the current season. However, the player opted to keep the specifics of those conversations confidential until formal decisions materialize. Despite not receiving a formal call-up to the senior team yet, Van Dijk stated that the prospect serves as a primary motivator for his club performances in Gibraltar. “I want to become better for myself and of course to be able to contribute to the Indonesian National Team,” Van Dijk said in his February interview with Yussa Nugraha, adding that he hopes to eventually wear the national jersey.
Related reading
