Dion Markx, the Long-Awaited Debut Amid Fierce Competition in Indonesia's Back Line
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- Dion Markx masuk daftar 23 pemain Timnas Indonesia untuk FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, tetapi belum pernah tampil di level senior.
- Performa impresifnya bersama Persita Tangerang membuat publik menantikan debutnya, meski lini belakang sudah dihuni pemain berpengalaman.
- Keputusan akhir ada di tangan John Herdman yang akan menilai kebutuhan taktik jelang laga perdana melawan Singapura.
The name Dion Markx has emerged in the Indonesia national team squad being prepared for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The 21-year-old defender has never played at senior level for the Garuda, but his performances with Persita Tangerang this season have made the national football public place great hopes in him.
The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup is FIFA's first official tournament in Southeast Asia, and Indonesia has been entrusted as host. The opening match of Group A Division 1 will be held at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday (25/9/2026) at 20.00 WIB, against Singapore. Besides the two teams, the group also includes Malaysia and Bangladesh, who cannot be underestimated.
Coach John Herdman is aware of the importance of winning the opening match. He stressed that he will field his best lineup. "We will always consider carefully when choosing the starting team. Our team, everyone is healthy and very much looking forward to taking responsibility," Herdman said, as quoted from a source.
In the back line, competition is very tight. A number of established names such as Kevin Diks (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Dean James (Go Ahead Eagles), Elkan Baggott (Millwall), Justin Hubner (Fortuna Sittard), Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Willem II), Rizky Ridho (Persija Jakarta), and Yakob Sayuri (Java United FC) have already filled the squad. However, Dion Markx's performances in the last three matches with Persita give Herdman an additional option.
Persita coach Carlos Pena gave high praise. According to him, Dion Markx's quick adaptation deserves appreciation. "Dion Markx had just arrived three days and he immediately played as a starter. He showed no nervousness and showed no lack of adaptation," said Carlos Pena. Markx joined Persita as a loan player from Persib Bandung, a few days before the competition rolled on 4 September.
His progress at the club has been in the spotlight. In the first week against PSIM Yogyakarta, he was key to the draw and was named Player of the Match. When Persita secured a home win over Java United FC, he again drew praise. Most recently, in the match against PSM Makassar at BJ Habibie Stadium, Parepare, he performed solidly so that Persita brought home one point.
Even so, a debut with the Indonesia national team is not certain to materialize in the match against Singapore. Herdman has many options in the defender position. The final decision will depend on the strategy and tactics he wants to apply. If he needs a player with characteristics like Markx, it is not impossible that the opportunity will come.
For Indonesian football, the emergence of young players like Dion Markx is a breath of fresh air. The naturalization he underwent shows a commitment to strengthen the national team. Healthy competition in the back line also drives an overall improvement in squad quality. The public hopes Herdman can craft the best lineup to achieve maximum results in this prestigious tournament.
The match against Singapore will be an early test. If Indonesia can secure a win, the path in Group A will be lighter. Conversely, a negative result could complicate the journey ahead. The question is, will Dion Markx be given the chance to show his worth tonight? Only Herdman knows the answer.
