Patrick Kluivert Praises Stefano Lilipaly’s Senior Leadership in Indonesia Squad

Head coach, Patrick Kluivert — has commended Stefano Lilipaly for his leadership and veteran presence in the Indonesia national team, highlighting the midfielder’s importance following a recent friendly match against China.

As reported by ESPN Asia, the 35-year-old Lilipaly impressed after coming off the bench, playing a stabilizing role in midfield and showcasing his experience during the international fixture. The match ended in a 2–2 draw, but Lilipaly’s influence stood out in what was a highly competitive encounter.

“He’s a senior player, he’s fantastic and adds value to the team,” said Kluivert in a post-match interview.

“You know we need to mix between domestic league players and players playing abroad.”

A Veteran Pillar in a Transitional Team

Lilipaly, who debuted for Indonesia in 2013, has earned 31 international caps and remains a key figure in the Garuda setup. His ability to link play and provide composure under pressure was evident, reinforcing his role as a leader both on and off the pitch.

Kluivert’s trust in the midfielder is part of a broader strategy to blend youth with experience and bridge the gap between locally based and overseas players.

Kluivert’s Tactical Balance

In the same match, Kluivert started seven players from Liga 1, demonstrating his intent to elevate domestic talent while leveraging the experience of those competing abroad. The former Dutch international has emphasized that a balanced team composition is crucial to Indonesia’s future success.

“We are building something here,” Kluivert added.

“We need experienced heads like Lilipaly to guide the younger generation. His attitude and performance were exactly what we needed.”