Kevin Diks Opens Up About Jay Idzes' Advice Behind the Indonesia National Team Captain's Armband
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- Kevin Diks resmi dipercaya John Herdman memimpin Timnas Indonesia di FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 setelah Jay Idzes absen karena cedera.
- Bek Borussia Monchengladbach itu mengaku rutin berkomunikasi dengan Idzes, termasuk menerima arahan soal tanggung jawab barunya sebagai kapten.
- Herdman masih memiliki beberapa opsi komposisi tiga bek, dengan laga kontra Singapura menjadi ujian pertama yang wajib dimenangi.
Kevin Diks revealed that he received a number of pointers from Jay Idzes before taking on his new duty as captain of the Indonesia national team at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The defender, who now plays for Borussia Monchengladbach, was entrusted by coach John Herdman to fill the position usually held by Idzes, who had to step aside because of injury.
In a pre-match press conference, Diks said his relationship with Idzes is close. The two are said to exchange messages regularly, almost every day, to discuss various matters beyond tactics. According to Diks, that communication made him better prepared to carry the role of leader on the pitch.
"Jay and I are very close. We communicate every week, even every day. He always gives me advice," Diks said, as quoted from the press briefing, Thursday (24/9/2026).
Idzes' absence does leave a big gap at the back. The Sassuolo defender has long been the main wall of the Garuda defense as well as a central figure in the dressing room. Even so, Diks believes the Indonesian squad still has enough depth to cover that loss. He said many quality players are ready to take on greater responsibility.
Herdman himself is said to be optimistic his team can compete for the trophy. He stressed the importance of focusing on every match, starting with the game against Singapore. That approach aligns with Diks' wish not to get caught up in the euphoria of his new role.
In terms of composition, Herdman has several alternatives for setting up a back three. The first option is Elkan Baggott, Rizky Ridho, and Kevin Diks—a formation used against Mozambique in June 2026. The second option places Baggott, Ridho, and Justin Hubner, a combination that played together when they beat Oman 3-0 in the same period.
What needs attention is that ASEAN teams tend to rely on speed when launching attacks. Herdman is required to ensure the back line does not repeat the same mistakes as when they fell to Vietnam at the 2026 AFF Cup. The balance between experience and mobility is key.
For the Indonesian public, this change of the captain's armband is not merely a technical matter. It is a leadership test for Diks, who has so far been known more as a hard-working defender than a vocal figure. His ability to manage pressure, especially in a tournament that brings together regional rivals, will determine how far the Garuda go.
Going forward, the big question is not only who wears the captain's armband, but how Indonesia builds a playing identity without Idzes. If Diks can translate Idzes' advice into real action on the pitch, it is not impossible for the Indonesia national team to look more solid than expected.
