Indonesia U-19 head coach Indra Sjafri has hinted that he is trying to bring one of his star Egy Maulana Vikri away from the massive spotlights after helping the team won 3-0 over Thailand in a friendly game on Sunday.
Egy’s name is on many Indonesian people lips since his profile was boosted by media following a success story in AFF U-18 Youth Championship last month in Myanmar, where he finished as top scorer with eight goals.
It was not the first individual achievement in international level as the 17-year-old forward was also named as the breakthrough player in the Toulon Tournament in France last July.
“Many people and media are now obsessed with Egy, but I think it should not be only Egy who got the appreciation,” Indra told reporters.
“There are many players who deserve the same credits like the goalkeeper Muhammad Aqil Savik.”
“No problem, I like when my players are praised. But it should not be only Egy.”
The emerge of Egy as one of Indonesian hot prospect caught many attention from foreign media. British newspaper The Guardian included him on a list for the world’s outstanding young players this year.