Indonesia's Best Eleven at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Audero's Crucial Role to Baker's Sharpness

Timnas Indonesia closed the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with the championship trophy, and behind that success, coach John Herdman relied on eleven players who performed consistently from the group stage to the final. This lineup is not merely a list of the best names, but a reflection of a strategy capable of handling pressure, especially when facing Thailand in a final that ended dramatically through a penalty shootout.

Interestingly, Herdman did not hesitate to rotate, including in the goalkeeper position. Maarten Paes and Emil Audero took turns guarding the goal, with different statistical records. Paes recorded two clean sheets, while Audero conceded four goals in the last two matches. However, Herdman's decision to place Audero between the posts at the crucial moment proved correct. The Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper denied Nattapong Sayriya's penalty attempt, securing the title for the Garuda Squad.

In the back line, the trio of Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggott, and Justin Hubner formed a solid wall. Ridho, who was not always a starter, emerged as a difference-maker with a goal against Bangladesh and a crucial assist in the final that saved Indonesia from defeat. Baggott was the only player who always played the full match in all four games, and his goal against Thailand forced the match into a penalty shootout. Meanwhile Hubner, besides being solid in defense, contributed one goal and one assist against Bangladesh.

The midfield was entrusted to Joey Pelupessy and Calvin Verdonk. Pelupessy, a 33-year-old player, was never substituted and always played the full match, becoming the engine of the attack as well as a balancing presence. Verdonk became the ideal partner in the central axis, while Kevin Diks and Dean James operated in the wide areas. Diks was even trusted as captain, showing his new leadership, while James was consistent in both defense and attack.

"The coach's trust in players who were not always starters proved to bear fruit. The right rotation was the key to success throughout this tournament," said a national football observer.

In the front line, Mitchell Baker was the main highlight. Although he only scored in one match, he did so in spectacular fashion: five goals in a single game that set a new record. No wonder Baker emerged as the tournament's top scorer. Ragnar Oratmangoen also made a significant contribution by always playing in all four matches and scoring the winning goal against Singapore. Meanwhile Ole Romeny, despite rarely scoring, played the role of creator with four assists, making him the tournament's assist king.

This success was inseparable from Herdman's tactical flexibility in maximizing the role of every player, including those who were not always first-choice. The combination of senior and young players gives new hope for Indonesian football, especially ahead of the next international competition. The question is, can this squad maintain consistency and face tougher challenges in a more prestigious event?