Japan VS Indonesia : Irreplaceable Jay Idzes and Calvin Verdonk in the Patrick Kluivert Era

Since Patrick Kluivert took over as head coach of the Indonesian national team in early 2025, two names have become synonymous with reliability and leadership: Jay Idzes and Calvin Verdonk. These two naturalized players are not only defensive mainstays but also symbols of Indonesia’s renewed ambition on the world stage. This article explores why Idzes and Verdonk are so vital, their journey with Kluivert, and the challenges they face to remain the coach’s first-choice picks amid fierce competition and the pressures of international football.

Jay Idzes, a Dutch-born defender naturalized in 2024, was immediately entrusted with a central role upon joining the national team. Under Kluivert, Idzes has not only been a regular starter but also serves as team captain. His calm demeanor, discipline, and ability to read the game have made Indonesia’s defense much more solid compared to previous eras.

Kluivert has repeatedly expressed his trust in Idzes. In several crucial matches, including against Bahrain and China in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Idzes has always been a first-choice pick. Even when other players were rotated or absent due to yellow card accumulation, Idzes remained an irreplaceable figure.

Like Idzes, Calvin Verdonk has also become a key figure under Kluivert. The left-back is known for his solid defensive abilities and his contribution to building attacks from the flanks. Verdonk’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, including center-back when needed, a crucial asset at the international level.

Verdonk acknowledges that Kluivert’s arrival brought a positive new atmosphere. He feels comfortable and optimistic with the Dutch coach’s vision, despite the team’s initial heavy defeat to Australia. Nonetheless, Verdonk has consistently performed well and remained a mainstay in every important match, including against Bahrain and China.

Why They Are Irreplaceable

Several key factors make Idzes and Verdonk hard to replace in Kluivert’s system:

• Individual Quality: Both possess above-average technical, physical, and tactical skills, honed by their experience in European football.

• Leadership: Idzes as captain and Verdonk as a senior player set examples both on and off the pitch.

• Consistency: They have rarely missed key matches, except when rested due to yellow card risks.

• Tactical Adaptability: Both can adjust to various tactical schemes implemented by Kluivert, whether defending or supporting the attack.

ay Idzes and Calvin Verdonk are truly irreplaceable in the Patrick Kluivert era. Their combination of quality, experience, and leadership forms a strong foundation for Indonesia to compete at the highest level. While challenges persist, their dedication and consistency remain key to Garuda’s quest for the ultimate dream: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.