3 Diaspora Players at Risk of Arriving Late to Bali Training Camp Due to European Play-offs 3 Diaspora Players at Risk of Arriving Late to Bali Training Camp Due to European Play-offs
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19.05.2025
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Calvin Verdonk Mees Hilgers

3 Diaspora Players at Risk of Arriving Late to Bali Training Camp Due to European Play-offs

Lorina Sofi
Lorina Sofi
3 Diaspora Players at Risk of Arriving Late to Bali Training Camp Due to European Play-offs

Jakarta, May 2025 – The Indonesian national team is gearing up for two of its most crucial matches this year: against China on June 5 and Japan on June 10 as part of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has scheduled the national training camp (TC) to begin on May 26, 2025, in Bali. However, concerning news has emerged from Europe: three of Garuda’s key diaspora players are likely to arrive late.

Clubs Still Battling, While Garuda Has Called

The three players in question are:

  • Mees Hilgers (FC Twente) – A solid center-back who has delivered consistent performances in the Eredivisie

  • Calvin Verdonk (NEC Nijmegen) – An aggressive left full-back who recently committed to the Indonesian national team

  • Eliano Reijnders (PEC Zwolle) – A creative midfielder who has caught the attention of the national team coach

All three players are currently involved with clubs competing in the Eredivisie play-offs, aiming for a spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League. The play-offs are expected to run through the end of May, meaning these players will likely not be available at the start of the training camp.

Patrick Kluivert Begins a New Era – Without Three Core Pieces?

New Indonesian head coach Patrick Kluivert is entering a new chapter after replacing Shin Tae-yong earlier this year. The Bali training camp is a key moment for him to build the team’s foundation and implement his tactical identity.

But the absence of three key diaspora players at the start of training will undoubtedly be a blow. Kluivert is known for his emphasis on discipline, team chemistry, and early tactical adaptation—so any late arrivals could impact his decision-making for the starting eleven in the big matches ahead.

A Familiar Dilemma: Club vs Country

This kind of conflict is nothing new in international football. The packed European club calendar often clashes with national team duties. While PSSI is believed to be in communication with the clubs involved, the final decision will largely depend on the outcome of the play-offs and the willingness of each club’s management to release players early.

What Are the Risks of Arriving Late to TC?

  • Missing initial tactical and strategic sessions with the coaching staff
  • Skipping intensive physical training and pressing system drills developed by Kluivert
  • Risk of losing their spot in the starting lineup
  • Falling behind in integrating with the team’s new tactical setup

Should Fans Be Worried?

With China and Japan as the next opponents, there is zero room for error. The presence of diaspora players like Hilgers, Verdonk, and Reijnders is considered crucial—not only because of their individual quality but also due to their experience in top European leagues, which could bring a different dimension to Garuda’s game.

If they arrive late, the coaching staff may have to rely on locally-based players who are present from day one, potentially disrupting the strategic consistency developed during the training camp.

 

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