First Duel Against Singapore: Luke Vickery and Dion Markx's Chance to Debut for Indonesia
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Luke Vickery dan Dion Markx berpotensi menjalani debut bersama Timnas Indonesia pada laga pembuka Grup A FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 melawan Singapura di SUGBK, Jumat (25/9/2026).
- Luke memiliki keunggulan fleksibilitas posisi sebagai winger, sementara Dion harus bersaing ketat di lini belakang yang dihuni pemain senior seperti Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, dan Kevin Diks.
- Keduanya kemungkinan besar tidak langsung menjadi starter; peluang bermain lebih terbuka pada babak kedua atau saat rotasi menghadapi Bangladesh di laga terakhir grup.
Two new names in the Indonesia national team squad, Luke Vickery and Dion Markx, are on the verge of their first appearance for the Garuda. Both are in coach John Herdman's plans for the opening Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 against Singapore at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (25/9/2026).
Luke, who officially became an Indonesian citizen on 16 July 2026, is one of the most closely watched players. The 20-year-old winger offers an option on the right flank, but can also operate on the left. That flexibility is an added value amid tight competition with Egy Maulana Vikri and Rizky Eka Pratama.
On the other hand, Dion Markx has held Indonesian citizenship longer. The Persita Tangerang player took his citizenship oath at the Indonesian Embassy in London on 8 February 2025, alongside Ole Romeny and Tim Geypens. However, the path to the starting eleven is not easy. Herdman is predicted to stick with a back three, and without Jay Idzes, who is out with a hamstring injury until November, the heart of the defence is still filled by experienced names such as Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, and Elkan Baggott.
Luke's chance to start from the first minute is open, but he still has to adapt to the rhythm of international matches. Herdman is likely to use him as a second-half substitute. Dion, meanwhile, faces tougher competition. Even so, the packed FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 schedule makes rotation unavoidable. Dion could get playing time, especially in the final group match against Bangladesh, when Indonesia may have already secured a place in the final.
"The opportunity to lead the Garuda Squad is a great honour," said Kevin Diks, who is ready to replace Jay Idzes as captain.
Herdman's decision to give debutants a chance is not merely about regeneration. It is also part of a long-term strategy for bigger tournaments. With an increasingly deep squad, internal competition is expected to raise the standard of play. However, the match against Singapore remains an early test that will determine Indonesia's direction in Group A.
For Indonesian football fans, the debuts of Luke and Dion will be an indicator of how far the naturalisation and youth development process has come. If both can perform impressively, they could become new pillars of the Garuda in the future. Conversely, if they fail to seize the opportunity, space in the main squad could become even tighter. The question is, will Herdman spring a surprise by starting one of them?
