With the Most Expensive Squad in the ASEAN U-23 Championship, Can Indonesia Win?

The U-24 Indonesian football team may be less mature in terms of preparation compared to Malaysia. However, in terms of player market value, the "Garuda Muda" team significantly outperforms the teams in Group A. The squad coached by Gerald Vanenburg is even recorded as the most expensive in the ASEAN Championship (formerly the AFF Cup) U-23. Although not always the case, the luxury of the squad could serve as a fundamental asset for Indonesia to secure its second title.

According to data from Transfermarkt, the U-23 Indonesia team has a market value of IDR 54.75 billion. Among the 23 registered players, center-back Muhammad Ferarri is the most expensive Indonesian player with a market value of IDR 4.78 billion.

The market value of the Indonesian squad could even be higher if the data of naturalized striker Jens Raven is included. Raven's market value is not precisely known as he has mostly played for the youth team of FC Dordrecht before transferring on a free transfer to Bali United for the upcoming season.

Brunei Darussalam has the lowest market value team in Group A. The team, coached by Aminuddin, has a market value of only Rp 1.91 billion. The Philippines, which has seven semi-professional football players, has a squad value that is significantly higher, at Rp 18.86 billion.

Malaysia, which has been touted as a potential obstacle to Indonesia's progress, is recorded to have a squad with a market value of only Rp 13.04 billion. This value is still below that of the Philippines, let alone Indonesia. Mukhairi Ajmal, who plays as a central midfielder, is the most expensive Malaysian player with a market value of Rp 3.04 billion.

Ajmal, who is now 23 years old, has become one of the mainstays of his team, Selangor FC, recording two goals and four assists from 23 matches across all competitions. Ajmal also has experience playing for the senior national team. So far, he has made 13 appearances with the "Harimau Malaya" team. With this track record, Ajmal is a figure that Indonesia must be wary of.

We must try to perform and respect every opponent.

Not only Malaysia, but the market value of the Indonesian squad even far exceeds that of Vietnam and Thailand, which are giants in Asian football. Vietnam, with a market value of IDR 38.24 billion, is in Group B alongside Cambodia and Laos. Meanwhile, the Thai squad, with a market value of IDR 33.89 billion, occupies Group C with Myanmar and Timor Leste.

Although Marcelino Ferdinand and Rafael Struick are not included, Indonesia's U-23 team coach Gerald Vanenburg remains pleased with the current composition of his team. A total of 23 selected players have undergone a rigorous selection process by Vanenburg and his team.

However, there was one sudden change that Vanenburg had to make by recalling left-back Frengky Missa. The Bhayangkara FC player had previously been dropped during the training camp but was brought back to replace Mikael Tata, who was ill.

"I'm happy with the players I have, and they have to improve. Their quality already makes me happy," said Vanenburg.

Regarding the quality of the rivals in Group A, who have a market value lower than Indonesia, Vanenburg believes that his team must maintain a high level of vigilance in order to achieve victory in every match.

"We must strive to perform and respect every opponent. What we can do is defeat all opponents because they will also try to do the same," he said.

Philippine coach Garrath McPherson is confident that his team can create surprises, even though it consists of several semi-professional players who play in university leagues. For McPherson, they deserve the opportunity to represent the national team due to their competent playing quality.

"All these players have made significant contributions to our team. I am eager to see what they can do and to witness them seize the opportunities available," said McPherson.

Market value does not always serve as a reference for a team's performance on the field. There are many instances where teams with a luxurious lineup fail to defeat opponents with a lower market value. Inter Milan has demonstrated how even inexpensive players can be combined into a cohesive unit, successfully reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League.

In the context of the "Garuda Muda" team, the advantage of market value can serve as initial capital to boost enthusiasm and confidence before facing the challenges of the ASEAN U-23 Championship. This market value proves that they are not just ordinary players, and it is not wrong for the Indonesian football public to hope that "Garuda Muda" can soar higher on their home ground.