Herdman Reveals Why He Picked Luke Vickery: It's Not About Loyalty, This Is Indonesia's Tactical Key at ASEAN Cup 2026

Indonesia national team coach John Herdman has finally revealed the reason behind his decision to call Luke Vickery into the final squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. At a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Thursday (24/9/2026), Herdman stressed that the omission of several regular national team wingers had nothing to do with loyalty or commitment. “It is very difficult to pick 23 players. For those who were not selected, the door is always open. Their performances at club level will tell the story,” he said.

The decision surprised the public, especially because Herdman had to leave out names such as Eliano Reijnders and Beckham Putra. However, according to the English coach, the main difference lies in playing characteristics. Most of the dropped wingers tend to play as inside forwards—cutting inside—which he considers less effective against Southeast Asian teams that often park the bus with a tight defensive line.

Vickery, by contrast, offers a wider profile and can provide variation in attack from the flanks. “It always comes down to player profiles. Opponents in Southeast Asia often stack players in the penalty area. We need a specific profile to carry out the playing identity we want,” Herdman said. The 20-year-old officially became an Indonesian citizen on 16 July 2026 after taking his oath at the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, Australia.

Herdman's decision to rely on young players such as Vickery also reflects a new direction in the national team's scheme. He wants to build a playing identity that is more adaptive to opponents' styles in the ASEAN region. This aligns with the tactical need to face teams that often defend in large numbers. Vickery is expected to be a difference-maker who can open space from the flanks, something rarely provided by inside forward-type players.

“It is very difficult to pick 23 players for this tournament. For the players who were not selected, the door is always open. Their performances at club level will tell the story.” — John Herdman

For Indonesia, this move is not merely an ordinary squad rotation. It is a signal that Herdman wants to build a flexible team capable of adapting to a variety of playing styles. In the context of the ASEAN Cup, where many teams rely on layered defending, the presence of a pure winger like Vickery could be the key to breaking through the opponent's defensive block. The public certainly hopes his debut goes smoothly and has an immediate impact.

The match against Singapore will be the first test for Vickery and also for Herdman's strategy. If it succeeds, this decision could set a precedent for calling up talented young players from abroad. Conversely, if it fails, criticism will again be directed at Herdman. What is clear is that the match at SUGBK will be a stage of proof for Vickery and the coach's tactical vision.