Striking Contrast! Indonesian Squad Features Players from European Leagues, While China’s National Team Lacks Overseas Players

On October 2, the Indonesian Football Association announced a 27-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers in October, which includes a total of 13 naturalized players or Indo-Dutch mixed heritage players, and also features many players currently playing in European leagues, particularly the Dutch Eredivisie.

Indonesia’s 27-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Maarten Paes (MLS/Dallas FC), Hernando Ali (Parsley Banda Aceh), Alghavi Natata (Borneo FC)

Defenders: Manku Allaram (Thai League/LionsXII), Jordi Amat (Malaysian Super League/Johor Darul Ta’zim), Calvin Wierdonk (Eredivisie/NEC Nijmegen), Patinama (Belgian Second Division/OH Leuven), Pratama Arhan (J1 League/Tokyo Verdy), Muhammad Farrel (Persija Jakarta), Rizki Rezki (Persija Jakarta), Walsh (First Division A/Mechelen), Siegers (Eredivisie/Twente), Elyano Reinders (Eredivisie/Zwolle), Jay Idzes (Serie A/Venice), Vayu Prasetio (Marut Tangerang)

Midfielders: Marcelino Ferdinand (Championship/Oxford United), Heye (Eredivisie/Heerenveen), Kambuaya (Dewa FC), Janner (Eredivisie/Utrecht), Zhou Ya’an (Championship/Swansea City)

Forwards: Olatemgen (First Division A/Tubize), Malik Risaldi (Parsley Banda Aceh), Rafael Struck (A-League/Brisbane Roar), Witan Sulaiman (Barito Putera), Dimas Drajad (Bandung), Hoki Kalakau (Sleman), Vikri (Dewa FC)

According to statistics, a total of 16 players in this Indonesian national team are currently playing in overseas leagues, with 11 of them playing in European leagues, mainly in the Netherlands. Among them, newly naturalized defender Siegers previously represented Twente in the Europa League against English giants Manchester United, putting in a commendable performance during the match.

In contrast, the current Chinese men’s national team does not have any player playing in an overseas league. Wu Shaocong, who previously played in the Turkish league, struggled to secure regular playing time after multiple loan moves, while former Beijing Guoan player Hou Yongyong, who returned to the Norwegian league, was not called up.