Indonesian national team calls up young defender Mathew Baker to boost mental strength

Indonesian national team coach John Herdman has included 18-year-old defender Mathew Baker in the senior squad for the upcoming FIFA Matchday fixtures in June 2026. This call-up is seen by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) as a strategic move to bolster the young player's mental strength and overall development.

Sumardji, Chairman of the PSSI National Team Body, confirmed that Nova Arianto, the U-20 national team coach, informed him of Herdman's decision. "Matthew indeed discussed with me yesterday. Coach Nova conveyed, 'Mr. Mardji, Matthew has been called up to the senior team.' I said, 'Oh, that's great,'" Sumardji told reporters. He emphasized that the experience of training and playing with the senior team is intended as a form of mental therapy for the Australian-Indonesian player.

The PSSI hopes this exposure will significantly enhance Baker's self-confidence and mental maturity. "We want to provide mental therapy for Matthew so he becomes more confident and better in the U-19 team," Sumardji stated. As the youngest player selected by Herdman for the matches against Oman on June 5 and Mozambique on June 9 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Baker's inclusion highlights the PSSI's commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Following his stint with the senior team, Baker is scheduled to rejoin the Indonesian U-19 squad for the AFF U-19 Championship, which runs from June 1 to 13. Given the timing, he might miss the group stage matches and potentially only be available for the semifinals on June 11, depending on the senior team's schedule. This dual commitment underscores the PSSI's strategy of integrating young players into higher levels of competition while ensuring their continued development within youth programs.