Kevin Diks Names Arif Aiman Toughest Opponent

Indonesia captain says Malaysian winger could succeed in Europe, and plays down first-half flashpoints in Jakarta

Indonesia captain Kevin Diks has named Malaysia winger Arif Aiman as the most difficult opponent he faced at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, and said the heated moments with striker Bergson da Silva were “part of football.”

Speaking to Indonesian outlet Olahbola, Diks said he was “very impressed” by Arif. After the Johor Darul Ta’zim player started drifting towards his side in the second half, the defender said he knew what he could do. “So I was standing close to him all the time, so he couldn’t get the ball,” Diks said. He added that Arif laughed at him once, because he knew it was a smart thing to do.

Diks believes the 23-year-old could make it in Europe, though he understands Arif prefers to stay in Malaysia.

He also addressed the duel with Bergson, which led to clips going around on social media. Diks said the first half was “a little bit spicy,” because he tried to get the striker off the pitch, claiming he was going down dramatically. By the second half the two were laughing together. “It’s all about respect,” he said. “He will give me a kick, I will give him a kick.”

The two sides met in their Group A match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on 28 September. The game finished 0-0, with the first half fiercely physical. Indonesia played with ten men from the 37th minute after Thom Haye was sent off by VAR for stamping on Arif, and held on for a draw. Diks wore the captain’s armband.

Indonesia went on to win the group on goals scored, after beating Bangladesh 9-2 while Malaysia thrashed Singapore 6-0. They then won the inaugural tournament by beating Thailand 4-2 on penalties in the final on 5 October.

Credit Photo : FAM