Joey Pelupessy shines in Indonesia debut with commanding midfield display

Joey Pelupessy showcased an impressive performance in his debut for the Indonesia national team—leading to a 1-0 victory over Bahrain in the World Cup 2026 Qualification Asia Zone Group C match at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.

The 31-year-old player immediately caught the attention of football fans across the country—displaying dominance in midfield throughout the full 90 minutes of the game.

Despite not scoring or providing assists, Pelupessy successfully controlled the game in the middle of the pitch—making the national team’s movement more dynamic and organized.

The excellent performance of this naturalized midfielder earned him the nickname of Indonesia’s Xabi Alonso—demonstrating playing qualities similar to the Liverpool and Real Madrid legend’s style.

With his solid debut, Pelupessy has strengthened his chances of becoming a key figure in Indonesia’s midfield for the upcoming qualification matches.