From Center-Back to Midfield Anchor: Jordi Amat’s Late-Career Revival Sparks National Team Hopes

At 33, Jordi Amat is proving that reinvention can breathe new life into a seasoned career. Once known primarily as a central defender, he is now flourishing in an unfamiliar yet demanding role as a defensive midfielder. This transition has not only revitalized his performances at club level but also reignited conversations about his potential return to the Indonesian national team setup.

His recent display for Persija Jakarta offered clear evidence of his successful transformation. In a narrow 1-0 away victory over Bali United during the BRI Super League 2025/2026 season, Jordi stood out as the most influential player on the pitch. Remarkably, he earned the man of the match award while operating not in defense, but as the team’s midfield anchor. His composure, awareness, and ability to dictate tempo added a fresh tactical layer to Persija’s system, showing that experience can translate seamlessly across positions when paired with intelligence and discipline.

Adapting to the defensive midfield role is far from simple, especially for someone who has spent most of his professional life guarding the back line. The position demands constant movement, quick decision-making, and the capacity to link defense with attack. A defensive midfielder must read the game with precision, close down passing lanes, and distribute the ball efficiently under pressure. Compared to playing as a center-back, the physical workload increases significantly, with more ground to cover and more frequent duels in tight spaces. Yet Jordi has embraced these challenges, demonstrating stamina and tactical maturity that belie his age.

His steady performances have also softened the impact of personnel changes within Persija’s squad. Even without their usual midfield presence, the team has maintained balance and structure, largely thanks to Jordi’s ability to shield the defense while initiating transitions. This versatility enhances his value, not only at club level but also in a broader competitive context. A player capable of excelling in multiple roles offers coaches greater flexibility, particularly in high-stakes tournaments where squad depth often determines success.

Looking ahead, this positional evolution could reshape his prospects with the national side. Under the guidance of John Herdman, the Indonesian national team faces important fixtures in the upcoming FIFA Series 2026. With midfield options thinning due to suspensions and tactical adjustments, Jordi’s emergence as a reliable defensive midfielder arrives at an opportune moment. Meanwhile, the central defense appears well covered by established names, making his shift into midfield both logical and strategically appealing. If his current form continues, Jordi Amat’s reinvention may not only extend his club career but also open a meaningful new chapter with the national team.