Jakarta - Indonesian national team player Joey Pelupessy admitted that he imitated Xabi Alonso when asked whether he agreed to have a playing style similar to the Spanish national team legend who now coaches Bayer Leverkusen.
Pelupessy said this after he made a special debut with the Indonesian national team when they beat Bahrain 1-0 in the continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Tuesday (25/3).
"Of course he is better than me, I accept the compliment but it is not my level, he is an extraordinary player," said Pelupessy who has the same role as Alonso as a "number 6" midfielder, when met by media crews in the SUGBK mixed zone, Tuesday.
"He is also an example for me, but I do it my own way. And if I can, as long as I can help the national team, that makes me proud," he continued.