Jens Raven Is Mentioned as Suitable to Replace Ole Romeny in the Indonesia National Team, Here's Gerald Vanenburg's Response

The Shiro Copr - Gerald Vanenburg, the coach of the Indonesia U-23 National Team, answered questions regarding the eligibility of his player, Jens Raven, to be promoted to the senior team to replace striker Ole Romeny.

She gave a rather straightforward and firm answer regarding the chances of the young player breaking into the senior Indonesia national team.

Everything started from fate and certainty. Ole Romeny's appearance in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian Qualification remains a mystery.

In fact, the attacker from Oxford United FC is threatened to be absent due to a severe injury, a broken leg, which requires a long recovery time.

This situation raises new questions about the appropriate replacement for Ole Romeny. Coach Patrick Kluivert revealed that he already has a plan regarding the possibility of the striker's absence.

At a time when Ole Romeny's fate is in question, Jens Raven emerged with an outstanding performance. He, who had just come up from U-20, showed his amazing performance with the Indonesia U-23 National Team in the AFF U-23 2025.

Jens Raven became a hero by scoring six of the eight winning goals for the Indonesia U-23 national team against Brunei Darussalam U-23. When facing the Philippines U-23, he almost made a big contribution, but his goal was disallowed by the referee when he came on in the second half.

The excellence of his performance made Jens Raven considered as a suitable replacement for Ole Romeny. Gerald Vanenburg, the coach of the Indonesia U-23 National Team, responded to the rumor.

Vanenburg, who is also the assistant coach of the Indonesia senior national team under Patrick Kluivert's leadership, firmly stated that he is unwilling to make many comments.

"You should call Patrick, I don't know. I can't comment on who should replace a player from the main team because it's not my job," he said at GBK Madya Stadium on Sunday (7/20).

"Dan menurut saya Patrick cukup cerdas untuk membuat pilihan yang tepat," continued Vanenburg, adding.

Besides responding to Jens Raven's opportunity to replace Ole Romeny, Gerald Vanenburg also responded to the presence of another Indonesian national team assistant coach, Alex Pastoor, during the U-23 training session.

The emergence of the priest is often seen as a way to monitor players for the main team. "Yes, but I think Alex hasn't decided yet. I think Patrick (Kluivert) is the head coach, so he's the one who decides," said Vanenburg.

"So I think when Patrick said he wanted a player or needed a player, maybe Alex came and saw, but I don't know," he added.

Gerald Vanenburg is unwilling to worry about Alex Pastoor's presence and the possibility of his players being called up to the senior Indonesia national team. Instead, he will be happy and welcome it with open arms.

"So far nothing has happened, and if we can help the main team qualify for the World Cup, he can get all my players," he said.

"Frankly, I don't care. Because in my opinion, what's most important is that we do something that truly makes us happy and proud," concluded Vanenburg.