Elkan Baggott

Elkan William Tio Baggott was born on October 23, 2002, in Bangkok, Thailand. Despite being born in Thailand, Elkan Baggott is an English-Indonesian professional footballer. He possesses dual heritage, which has influenced his football career as he became eligible to represent Indonesia at international level due to his Indonesian descent from his mother's side. Baggott later moved to England and embarked on a football career, where he developed his skills further at Ipswich Town Academy.

Elkan Baggott made his professional debut for Ipswich Town on October 6, 2020, in an EFL Trophy match against Gillingham. This match marked the beginning of Baggott's career as a professional player in England. As a young defender standing at 1.94 meters (6 feet 4 inches) tall, Baggott showed potential in his professional role. His performance attracted attention due to his ability to handle physical challenges and his composure on the ball, essential traits for a central defender.

On November 11, 2020, Elkan Baggott made his debut for the Indonesia U-19 national team in a friendly match. This was a significant milestone in Baggott's career as it marked his commitment to representing Indonesia at the international level. His decision to play for Indonesia was influenced by his strong connection to his Indonesian roots and the opportunity to compete in international tournaments. Baggott's towering presence and defensive skills were crucial additions to the team's defense.

Elkan Baggott signed his first professional contract with Ipswich Town on January 23, 2021. This was a pivotal moment in his career as it confirmed his position as a promising young talent within the club. Baggott's contract signing demonstrated the club's confidence in his abilities as a defender. The contract was a reward for his hard work and dedication, as well as his potential to grow into a key player for Ipswich Town. It also emphasized the club's commitment to nurturing young talent.

On October 16, 2021, Elkan Baggott made his debut in the English Football League One, playing for Ipswich Town against Shrewsbury Town. This marked his first appearance in England's professional football league system, showcasing his progression from youth football to senior professional level. Baggott's performance was noted for his strong defensive skills and confidence, which helped his team secure a clean sheet in a 2–1 victory. It was an important step in establishing himself as a first-team regular.

Elkan Baggott made his debut for the Indonesia senior national team on May 26, 2022, in an international friendly match against Bangladesh. This debut was a significant step in his international career as it came after his earlier participation at youth level. Baggott's inclusion in the senior squad highlighted his development and potential to become a pillar of the Indonesian defense. His versatility as a defender and international experience were expected to bring solidity to the team.

Elkan Baggott was a part of the Indonesian national team squad for the 2022 AFF Championship, which took place in December 2022. The AFF Championship is a major tournament in Southeast Asian football, and Baggott's participation was a testament to his growing influence in the national team. His defensive abilities and height offered Indonesia an advantage in aerial duels and set-pieces. Baggott's performances were instrumental in helping the team progress through the tournament stages as a key defensive figure.

In March 2023, Elkan Baggott was loaned to Gillingham FC from Ipswich Town. The loan move was aimed at providing him with regular first-team experience in the English Football League. Playing at Gillingham allowed Baggott to further develop his defensive capabilities and gain valuable experience in competitive league matches. The loan spell was seen as a strategic move to enhance his growth and readiness to compete at higher levels of football in the future.

On June 18, 2023, the Indonesian national team, with Elkan Baggott as a key defender, secured qualification for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Baggott's role in the qualification campaign was vital, as his defense helped to solidify Indonesia's backline throughout the matches. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Indonesia and for Baggott's international career, as he continued to establish himself as an integral part of the national team's successes on the continental stage.

On September 9, 2023, Elkan Baggott had the honor of captaining the Indonesian national team for the first time in a friendly match. This was a significant achievement in Baggott's career, reflecting his leadership qualities and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to organize the defense, Baggott led by example on the field, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. The match provided an opportunity to showcase his potential as a future leader of the national team.