With the AFF Cup 2024 just around the corner, Indonesia and Vietnam are stepping up their efforts to naturalize key players in order to strengthen their respective national teams. The two Southeast Asian football powerhouses have been proactive in recruiting foreign-born players who are eligible to play for their national teams, a move that has become increasingly common in the region.
Indonesia, under the leadership of head coach Shin Tae-yong, has been particularly active in naturalizing players to bolster their squad for the upcoming tournament. One of the most high-profile naturalized players is Stefano Lilipaly, a Dutch-born midfielder who has been a key player for the Indonesian national team since his naturalization in 2019. Lilipaly has been a standout performer for Indonesia, and his presence in the team has significantly strengthened their midfield.
Vietnam, on the other hand, has also been making strides in naturalizing players ahead of the AFF Cup. One of the most notable naturalized players is Brazilian-born striker Rodrigo Dias, who has been a prolific scorer for the Vietnamese national team since his naturalization in 2018. Dias’ addition to the team has provided Vietnam with a much-needed attacking threat, and his goalscoring prowess has been a key factor in their recent success.
Both Indonesia and Vietnam have seen the benefits of naturalizing players, as they have been able to strengthen their squads and improve their performances on the international stage. Naturalized players bring a wealth of experience and skill to their respective national teams, and their presence can make a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.
As the AFF Cup 2024 approaches, both Indonesia and Vietnam will be looking to naturalize more players in order to further strengthen their squads and increase their chances of success in the tournament. With the competition in Southeast Asia becoming increasingly fierce, it is crucial for both teams to have a strong and competitive squad in order to compete with the best teams in the region.
Overall, naturalizing players has proven to be a successful strategy for Indonesia and Vietnam, and it will be interesting to see how these teams perform in the upcoming AFF Cup. With the addition of more naturalized players to their squads, both teams will be hoping to make a strong impression and challenge for the title in what promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament.
