Oxford United Manager Praises Marselino Ferdinan’s “Wonderful” Impact for Indonesia

Marselino Ferdinan’s contributions to the Indonesian national team have been lauded as “wonderful” by Oxford United manager Des Buckingham. This commendation follows Ferdinan’s two-goal performance in Indonesia’s victory over Saudi Arabia during a World Cup qualifying match. During the recent international fixtures, the 20-year-old midfielder netted both goals in Indonesia’s 2-0 triumph against Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier. Ferdinan, who joined Oxford this summer from the Belgian club KMSK Deinze, has not yet featured for the U’s. However, he is expected to rejoin his club with heightened confidence and a stronger desire to play for Oxford. Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Buckingham stated, “We actually sat and watched him in the game as it was lunchtime over here.” He further commented on Ferdinan’s achievement, saying, “To score two goals and for them to win the game against a strong international nation in Saudi Arabia it’s a wonderful thing for him and Indonesian football.” Ferdinan holds significant prominence in Indonesia, boasting 4.5 million followers on Instagram, with his latest post accumulating one million likes. Oxford United itself has been under the majority ownership of Indonesian investors Anindya Bakrie and Erick Thohir since late 2022. This current season marks Ferdinan’s initial foray into English football. He has not been included in the travelling squad for most of Oxford’s league matches this campaign, with the exception of the two most recent squads. Nevertheless, Buckingham anticipates that this situation could evolve shortly. Buckingham further commented, “It’s going to take him some time to adapt.” He elaborated, “English football is something very different to what he’s used to but, if anything, I’d like to think that the work he’s done here is helping him with the national team.” Buckingham concluded by stating, “It’s now about him competing for spots with the other boys and if he continues to develop at the rate he has done since he arrived then I’m sure it won’t be long until he makes his debut.” Should he be chosen to play, Ferdinan would achieve the distinction of being the first Indonesian-born player to compete in the Championship.