Written by Pramuaji
It’s a wrap for the 2nd edition of Piala Presiden with Arema FC crowned as champions following a one-sided final battle against Pusamania Borneo FC (3/12). The 5-1 scoreline for Singo Edan ended Pesut Etam’s Cinderella Story throughout the tournament. The title became Arema’s as well as Aji Santoso’s 2nd pre-season silverware in the beginning of 2017 after previously winning the Bhayangkara Trofeo.
Over 480 players took part in the tournament. We’ve seen young talents on the rising, new foreign names making their debut, and familiar faces keeping their stint in this part of the world. Also, there’s Cristian Gonzales.
From 40 matches of the 2017 Piala Presiden, we’ve chosen the best 11 players based on our observation, and, of course, their statistical performance. Here you go:
GK – Kurnia Meiga Hermansyah (Arema FC)
The Indonesian no. 1 has the fewest number of goals conceded per match (0.71) among other semifinalists’ goalkeepers. His 23 saves with 79.3% save success rate are just second to Wawan Hendrawan’s (32, 80%). Many can argue that the PBFC veteran should get the spot, but his 5-goal disaster in the final is a dealbreaker against Meiga’s consistency. Labbola Rating 6.7.
DF – Yamashita Kunihiro (Pusamania Borneo FC)
Played a well-structured defensive duo with Dirkir Glay Kohn in his debut in Indonesian football. The Japanese centre-half made 31 clearances, 7 successful tackles, and 17 interceptions which granted PBFC with 4 consecutive clean sheets. His existence in PBFC defense was proven to be highly important, as his side was struck with 5 goals after he was subbed out due to injury in the final. Labbola Rating 6.3.
DF – Dirkir Glay Kohn (Pusamania Borneo FC)
Proven his true quality as a defender by making a stronghold duo with Yamashita. With his tandem out of the match in the final, it was as if Dirkir lost his soulmate and succumbed into a disastrous defeat. Nonetheless, he made quite a performance in PBFC defense, especially with 16 shot blocks, 16 successful tackles, and 35 aerial duels won. Labbola Rating 6.6
DF – Vladimir Vujovic (Persib)
Displayed a dual-threat quality in his 7 appearances, in which he scored 3 goals and made 2 assists, composing 38% of Persib’s total goal in the tournament. His 17 successful tackles is tournament’s highest among center backs, while his 33 clearances is just second to Cassio de Jesus’ (41). Apart from his silly dismissal in the 3rd place match, Vlado made quite a performance in the tournament. Labbola Rating 6.8.
DF – Tony Sucipto (Persib)
Had no problem going back and forth Persib’s left side in his 600 played minutes. He set up a strong blockade in the flank with 16 interceptions (highest among full backs), 5 cross blocks (also highest among full backs, equal with Novan Sasongko), and 14 successful tackles (2nd highest among full backs, after Novan). Labbola Rating 6.4.
MF – Asri Akbar (Pusamania Borneo FC)
Maximizing his experience and maturity, Asri lead a second-string PBFC squad to the final. His top performance came on the semifinals, where he made 3 assists which set up 3 PBFC goals against Persib. Among central/ defensive midfielders, his chances created (9) is the second highest, after Dedi Kusnandar (11). Labbola Rating 6.5
MF – Vendry Mofu (Semen Padang)
Played well offensively within Nil Maizar’s 4-4-2 scheme. Set up a nice tandem with Marcel Sacramento upfront, and with Ko Jaesung in midfield. 5 goals, 10 chances created, and only 3.6 possessions lost/ match put him up on our list. If only he could put aside his emotion on the last minute ‘dance’ with Vladimir Vujovic, he would’ve had a better rating. Labbola Rating 7.1.
MF – Adam Alis Setyano (Arema FC)
Quick adaptation to Aji Santoso’s playing system makes Adam Alis can play comfortably in Arema’s midfield. His 16 successful tackles and 14 pass interceptions (highest among central midfielders, equal with Ko Jaesung) are proofs of his defensive quality. While his 1 goal, 1 assist, and 9 chances created helped Arema to triumph. His appointment as Best Player of the tournament is quite indisputable. Labbola Rating 7.0
FW – Marcel Silva Sacramento (Semen Padang)
62.5% of Semen Padang’s total goal has Marcel’s name on it. The Brazilian striker scored 6 goals, 4 assists, and 20 chances created (tournament’s highest) in Kabau Sirah’s Piala Presiden debut. He is one of the most consistent performing player throughout the tournament, even on his last 2 matches which ended with defeat. Labbola Rating 7.6.
FW – Febri Hariyadi (Persib)
Continuing his remarkable performance from the previous ISC-A. The 21-year old speedster made 13 successful dribbles in his 7 appearances, which is also tournament’s highest. He added a goal and 3 assists to his report card, making him an unquestionable choice for winger in the Indonesia U-22 national team. Labbola Rating 6.8.
FW – Cristian Gonzales (Arema FC)
7 appearances, 11 goals which includes a pentagol and a hattrick, 2 assists, 18 shots on target (tournament’s highest), 6 chances created. He made all of those as a 40-years young forward, which played a major part for Arema’s triumph. ‘Nuff said. Labbola Rating 7.5.
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