Tinkering with Rafael Struick's Ideal Replacement

Rafael received a yellow card after violating a South Korean defender in the 20th minute. The scorer of two goals against the "Taegeuk Forces" will be absent in the semifinals due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

Referring to Article 54.1.3 of the Regulations of the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup, players who receive a warning (yellow card) will carry that penalty until the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, yellow card penalties received by players in the group stage to the quarterfinals will be cleared.

In the absence of the irreplaceable Rafael from the line-up of Indonesia's attacking trident with Marselino Ferdinan and Witan Sulaeman, Coach Shin Tae-yong must decide on one player to complete the composition of players up front in the semi-final clash against Uzbekistan on Monday (29/4/2024) at 9:00 PM WIB, at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha.

To replace Rafael, who defends ADO Den Haag, Shin has three player options, namely Kelly Sroyer, Ramadhan Sananta, and Hokky Caraka. The three players who were forged in the Indonesian League 1 have different abilities which will determine the tactical approach that Shin uses in the game that will determine tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before comparing the probability of players who will accompany Marselino and Witan, it is better to first familiarize ourselves with the abilities of each candidate to fill Rafael's position.

Ramadhan Sananta

Sananta is currently Indonesia's best number nine striker in terms of character. In addition to playing in the U-23 team, he also regularly participates in senior Indonesian team matches. Most recently, he scored Indonesia's third goal against Vietnam in the 2026 World Cup qualification match last March.

Sananta's goal-scoring instinct is shown through his collection of five goals with the senior team. He has also created eight goals out of 18 appearances with the U-23 team. Sananta scored two goals in the final match of the 2023 SEA Games against Thailand, which helped Indonesia end their gold medal drought since 1991.

Also read: Semifinals are over, Olympics and champions are the next target of "Garuda Muda"

At a height of 1.8 meters, the player from Persis Solo can be a choice to win aerial duels in the opponent's penalty box. Heading is also one of Sananta's abilities to score against the opponent's goal. Like a pure center forward, the player born in Lingga, Riau Province, is also skilled in positioning himself to create opportunities and become a target for his teammates' final passes.

Sananta was introduced as a substitute when Indonesia lost 0-2 to Qatar, then played since the 105th minute in the duel against South Korea. Even though he was unable to show his sharpness in Qatar 2024, Sananta was able to fulfill his duties as Indonesia's main executor in the penalty shootout when they eliminated South Korea. Not just once, Sananta beat South Korean goalkeeper Baek Jong-bum twice.

Sananta's physical condition often hinders his ability to consistently threaten the opponents' defense. Under Shin's guidance, he has never played for a full 90 minutes.

Also read: Epos Ernando Ari Responds to Shin Tae-yong and Indonesia's Disappointment

Kelly Sroyer

Kelly is a winger player from Papua. Speed, skill in dribbling the ball, and bravery in physical duels with opponents are Kelly's advantages compared to his two competitors in the "Garuda Muda" front line, Sananta and Hokky.

From a tactical understanding perspective, Kelly quickly adapted to Shin's desires. In two appearances at the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup, the winger from Persik Kediri performed well in two different roles.

Kelly was included in the starting lineup in the match against Australia. She was deployed as a shadow central striker flanked by Struick and Witan. Kelly's determination and high mobility helped her two teammates find space in Australia's defensive third.

Then, Kelly played as a right winger during the extra time when facing South Korea. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Muhammad Ferrari on the right side of Indonesia's defense to ensure that Indonesia's goal was not breached again.

Amid his complete abilities as a winger, Kelly still needs to improve his composure and clinical attitude in front of the opponent's goal. If he can overcome these two shortcomings, the Biak-born player is on the right track to follow in the footsteps of one of Papua's football legends, Boaz Solossa.

Also read: Indonesia vs South Korea Penalty Shootout Drama, Why Was Justin Hubner's Penalty Repeated?

Hokky Caraka

Despite being the youngest attacker in the Indonesian team, Hokky did not come to Qatar to warm the bench. Shin's decision to bring Hokky is based on his ability as the most potential teenage striker currently owned by Indonesia.

The player from PSS Sleman can be more optimal if placed as a center forward. Hokky has played this role, contributing four goals from 27 appearances with PSS in the 2023-2024 Liga 1.

The number of goals is indeed very minimal for a bomber, but Hokky is not a waiting type of attacker. He was more active in picking up the ball into the midfield, then also actively put pressure on the opponent's defense zone. He is able to read a little space in the opponent's penalty box to create an opportunity to score a goal.

For a team that focuses on a pattern of counter-attacks, Hokky is very helpful in flowing short balls as quickly as possible towards the opponent's penalty box. He has the speed that could potentially threaten the opposing defense.

However, Hokky does not yet have the ball-holding ability to defend the ball in his team's attacking transition process. He also often makes wrong decisions, either in situations of opportunity or to help build-up the Indonesian squad's attack. Hokky made Indonesia lose the ball several times when playing in the second half of the match against Jordan.

Also read: Eliminate South Korea, Indonesia One More Victory at the Paris Olympics

Adjust tactics

Then, who will fill Rafael's place? The biggest opportunity lies with Kelly. If Shin wants to stick to a shadow attacker scheme or similar false nine, Kelly is the right choice.

He can also present a one-two pass combination with Marselino and Witan. Kelly will also have no trouble shifting positions with the two main Indonesian forwards, as Rafael showed in the matches against Jordan and South Korea.

However, Indonesia will face Uzbekistan who hasn't conceded any goals in four matches. The advantage of Uzbekistan's physical striker duels needs to be challenged by a striker who is also willing to make physical contact. For that ability, Sananta could be an option.

Shin does not rule out the possibility of substituting Sananta from the beginning of the match if he wants to disrupt the focus of the two Uzbekistan center-backs so that there is one player who can trouble them. Sananta can also test the Uzbekistan defenders by racing to receive through passes.

Even if he doesn't score a goal, Sananta can serve as a ball facilitator to create space for his teammates to pose a threat to the Uzbekistan goal.

Whoever replaces Rafael, their task is not easy. Aside from being required to replicate Rafael's significant involvement in Indonesia's attacking process, they must also demonstrate the productivity that Rafael showed as the sole player who scored against South Korea's goal in the 2024 U-23 Asia Cup.