The Indonesian national team recently concluded a pair of international friendlies with rather different results. The Garuda squad won 6-0 against Chinese Taipei but were then held to a 0-0 draw by Lebanon in Surabaya.
These two matches were not just a test of ability, but also a platform for experimentation for coach Patrick Kluivert as he works to build a new identity for the Red and Whites.
From legacy to experiment
Since Kluivert officially took up the reins, Indonesia have played four matches in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 26™. He attempted to make radical changes to the playing system, but the crushing 5-1 defeat against Australia was a major wake-up call: transitions cannot be made instantly.
After that, the former Barcelona star striker returned to Shin Tae-yong’s foundations, relying on the 3-4-3 formation in the matches against China, Bahrain, and Japan. But this September, a new chapter began. The friendlies against Chinese Taipei and Lebanon served as a springboard for Kluivert to build his own tactical identity. Going further than just rotating players, he changed the playing system to a 4-4-2 formation, creating a new look for the team.
New touch: From inverted full-back to false nine
One of the most visible transformations is in the role of the players. Calvin Verdonk, who usually operates as a conventional full-back, was transformed into an inverted role à la Pep Guardiola. This role offers additional options in their build-up and shortens the distance between lines in attack.
No longer just a defensive midfielder, Nathan Tjoe-A-On was unleashed as an aggressive ball-winning midfielder. The job of this position is to break the opponent’s flow and to create space, allowing more freedom for creative midfielders.
In the battle against Lebanon, the experiment was even bolder, with Marselino Ferdinan replacing out-and-out striker Mauro Zijlstra, acting as a false nine. These moves clearly demonstrate Kluivert’s desire to build a completely new pattern — not just changing the formation, but also reconstructing the playing style.
High ball possession, but…
The Indonesian squad is dominating the play. In the match against Lebanon, Indonesia had 81 per cent of the ball possession. But the statistics also indicate a weakness that needs sorting immediately: of nine shots, not one was on target.
Creativity, variety in passes, and sharpness in the attack clearly need work. The friendlies proved that Indonesia were able to improve their level of control of the match, but control without concrete results is just numbers on paper.
Foundation of a new defence
The forwards aside, Kluivert is also building a more solid defence. Kevin Diks, who usually plays right-back, was deployed as a centre-back against Lebanon — continuing his new role with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga.
Diks’ pairing with Sassuolo’s Jay Idzes looks promising. Coupled with the experience of Jordi Amat, Justin Hubner, Mees Hilgers, and local talent like Rizky Ridho, Indonesia’s defence has a balanced combination of European experience and local passion.
Heading to October: The real test
October brings the real test. Saudi Arabia and Iraq are opponents with higher FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and diverse playing styles — from quick counter-attacks to quality possession.
This is where tactical consistency, the sharpness of the forwards, and the strength of the defence will be tested. Kluivert needs to strike a balance between new identity and pragmatism — holding on to the philosophy without losing sight of the need to score points.
Kluivert has embarked on a journey to shape the new face of Indonesian football. Experiments in two friendlies demonstrated a clear vision: ball possession, role variation, and reconstruction of playing style.
He admits that he was impressed by the players’ quick response to the changes he has made. “They were able to adapt very quickly to the new playing style. They really understood what I was asking and they executed it fantastically. And I think that’s the most important thing for me as a coach,” said the 49-year-old tactician.
But, to go further, the creativity and effectiveness of the final ball need perfecting without delay. The road to 2026 may be long, but the foundation of this new identity could be an important stepping stone to take Garuda to greater heights on the Asian and global stage.
