Venezia defender Jay Idzes received attention from netizens after making history as the first Indonesian player to successfully make his debut in Serie A.
Idzes officially made history as the first footballer from Indonesia to play in the Italian Serie A League. This was done when Venezia visited Fiorentina’s headquarters in Florence, Sunday (25/8).
The 24 year old defender started at the heart of Venezia’s defense against Fiorentina. Idzes appeared with Giorgio Altare and Marin Sverko in a three back formation.
Idzes is in the spotlight because he is officially an Indonesian player playing in the highest caste of Italian football.
Behind this excitement, Indonesian football fans are worried about Idzes’ current condition. Because he was pulled out in the 68th minute due to a suspected injury.
Before being withdrawn, Idzes appeared to suffer a hamstring in the 64th minute after a duel with Moise Kean. Idzes even got help from Venice goalkeeper Jesse Joronen before being replaced by Michael Svoboda.
This situation is quite worrying for the Indonesian National Team, which will compete in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Asia Zone against Saudi Arabia on September 5 and face Australia on September 10.
Currently Indonesia’s back line is experiencing a player crisis after Jordi Amat was absent due to injury and Justin Hubner had to accumulate yellow cards.
Meanwhile, Elkan Baggott, who started appearing regularly with Blackpool, was not called by coach Shin Tae Yong.
Elkan and Shin Tae Yong’s relationship has been fractured since Elkan ignored the call to strengthen the Garuda Muda squad in the Olympic playoffs against Guinea.
In the midst of losing Jordi Amat and Justin Hubner, Shin Tae Yong gave a firm answer that he was not considering Elkan Baggott as a replacement at all.
“Not considered at all,” said Shin Tae Yong.
This means that there are only three central defenders left, namely Rizki Ridho, Jay Idzes and Muhammad Ferrari. These names refer to the call-up list against Iraq and the Philippines last June.