SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Persib Bandung's Brazilian defender Gustavo Franca admits he didn’t expect BRI Liga 1 2024/25 to be so competitive, Friday, (11/29/2024). For the former Liga Portugal player, Indonesian football is far tougher than he initially imagined.

Asian football is played differently from Europe’s more tactical style. However, Franca finds Liga 1 uniquely challenging due to its physicality and the speed of many players.

"Liga 1 is not as easy as it seems; the style here is distinct from Europe, making it hard for foreign players to adapt," Franca shared. He also observed that the league’s unpredictability adds to the difficulty, with every team capable of beating the other.

Persib stands out as the only unbeaten team after 11 games. "There are many strong teams and talented local players, proving this league’s high level," the 28-year-old remarked.

Franca has featured in 10 matches, forming a solid defensive partnership with Nick Kuipers. With five clean sheets and just eight goals conceded, he is thriving in his first Liga 1 season.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi