5 Players Who Could Return to the Indonesian National Team Under Kluivert's Coaching

The arrival of Patrick Kluivert as the new coach of Indonesia's national football team has opened the door for several players who were sidelined under Shin Tae-yong to make a comeback. Kluivert is expected to arrive in Indonesia soon, and his selection of players may differ significantly from his predecessor's choices.

While some regulars from the past five years may no longer fit into Kluivert’s tactical plans, there are also players who struggled for opportunities under Shin but could now be called up again. Here are five players who might return to the national team under Kluivert:

1. Elkan Baggott



Elkan Baggott has been a consistent presence in the Indonesian national team since 2020, forming part of the defensive line alongside Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, and Sandy Walsh. However, he was excluded from the squad in May 2024, reportedly due to disciplinary issues, despite not being replaced by any new central defenders. If he maintains good form and consistency at his club, Blackpool, Elkan could find himself back in contention for a defensive role with a new partner.

2. Saddil Ramdani



Saddil Ramdani was frequently called up by Shin Tae-yong for various qualifiers but was suddenly dropped before the 2023 AFC Asian Cup due to disciplinary concerns. However, with Shin no longer in charge, Saddil’s chances of returning to the national team could improve, especially if he continues to perform well for Sabah FC in Malaysia.

3. Rachmat Irianto



Rian, as he is commonly known, was once a regular under Shin but found himself excluded from the national team over the past year. Unlike Elkan and Saddil, Rian’s absence was not due to disciplinary issues but possibly related to tactical preferences with the arrival of Ivar Jenner and Sandy Walsh. The versatile 25-year-old, who can play as a defensive midfielder, right-back, or center-back, may catch Kluivert’s attention, provided he continues to impress at Persib Bandung.

4. Ezra Walian



Ezra Walian was part of the Indonesian squad during Shin Tae-yong’s early days but has not been called up since the 2020 AFF Championship. With his background at Dutch clubs like AZ Alkmaar and Ajax, the 27-year-old forward, now playing for Persik Kediri, could be a candidate for a recall if Kluivert looks to tap into his Dutch footballing roots.

5. Stefano Lilipaly



Stefano Lilipaly, known for his distinct playing style, struggled to find regular call-ups under Shin. At 34, Fano has only had limited appearances since his return to the squad in May 2022. However, with Kluivert in charge, there may be a renewed chance for the former Dutch youth international, though his age could be a factor in how competitive he remains at the international level.