Herdman's New Era: How Indonesia's National Team Is Evolving Beyond Its Past Foundations

The arrival of John Herdman as head coach of Indonesia's national team signals more than just continuity—it marks the beginning of a calculated transformation. While his primary mission is to build upon the groundwork laid by Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, Herdman has already shown that his approach goes beyond preserving the past. His early matches in the FIFA Series 2026 offered a glimpse into a system that blends inherited structure with fresh tactical ideas.

Herdman has chosen to retain the solid defensive foundation established during Shin Tae-yong's tenure, particularly the use of a three-man backline. However, instead of relying solely on defensive rigidity, he has introduced a more coordinated system where midfielders actively contribute to defensive duties. This adjustment creates a tighter connection between the midfield and backline, allowing the team to defend as a cohesive unit rather than in isolated lines.

At the same time, elements of Patrick Kluivert's attacking philosophy remain visible. The team continues to emphasize forward movement and attacking transitions, with players like Ole Romeny dropping deeper to facilitate ball progression. This fluidity in positioning reflects Herdman's intention to maintain offensive dynamism while improving overall balance across the pitch.

One of Herdman's boldest decisions has been moving away from a traditional playmaker. This shift has led to the exclusion of technically gifted midfielders such as Marc Klok, Ezra Walian, and Ricky Kambuaya. Instead, he prioritizes collective movement and shared responsibility in building attacks, resulting in a more dynamic but less individually dependent system. The approach encourages players across all positions to contribute both offensively and defensively.

Despite these promising developments, the team still faces challenges in the attacking department. A lack of a consistent goal-scoring striker remains an issue that Herdman must address in the coming months. Nevertheless, observers like Gusnul Yakin see clear progress, noting that the team now plays with greater balance and adaptability. With time to refine his system, Herdman appears well-positioned to complete the transformation of Indonesia's national team into a more cohesive and competitive side.