Assessing Mauro Zijlstra as Ole Romeny’s Replacement in the Indonesian National Team

Mauro Zijlstra has been called up to the Indonesian national team for the FIFA Matchday in September 2025, stepping in to fill the gap left by the injured Ole Romeny. After officially becoming an Indonesian citizen in late August, the 20-year-old forward was immediately included in the squad for the upcoming matches against Chinese Taipei and Lebanon, carrying the hopes of the team’s attacking line.
Zijlstra’s club performances show promise, especially at the youth level with FC Volendam U-21, where he has scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 21 appearances. However, his record with the senior team is less impressive, having yet to score or assist in seven matches and not featuring at all in the current Eredivisie season so far. This contrast suggests that while he is a rising talent, adapting to top-tier football remains a work in progress.
Comparing Zijlstra to Ole Romeny is challenging given the latter’s impressive start with Indonesia, having scored three goals in four international appearances. This sets a high benchmark for Zijlstra, who must prove himself capable of meeting expectations. His physical attributes, including height and technical skills like dribbling and finishing, provide a solid foundation to build upon in the national setup.
Coach Patrick Kluivert sees potential in Zijlstra, initially planning for him to feature in the U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, but due to registration timing, the player was promoted to the senior team instead. This opportunity offers Zijlstra a crucial chance to showcase his abilities on the international stage and begin establishing himself as a key player for Indonesia’s future.a
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