The Interview: Ryan Walters
From K-Pop cool to stadium fever, the landscape of Asian football is undergoing a dramatic transformation, but challenges remain, particularly in Thailand.
Asia's Footballing Ascent: A Conversation with Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters, from The ASEAN Game Podcast, is a seasoned multimedia journalist with a decade immersed in the vibrant world of Asian football and offers a compelling perspective on the region's evolving game. From the boardrooms of Seoul to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia, Walters has witnessed firsthand the shifts, trends, and persistent challenges that define football in this dynamic continent.
"It's been about a decade of doing this now," Walters reflects, his voice tinged with a blend of enthusiasm and seasoned observation. "And maybe one of the biggest things is just awareness. Back in 2015, pre-pandemic, this past decade has been quite the decade. I think there's just a lot more awareness, and with that awareness, there also comes some respect."
This burgeoning respect, Walters argues, is inextricably linked to the growing prominence of Asian players on the global stage. He points to figures like Son Heung-min, Mehdi Taremi, and Lee Kang-in, whose performances in top European leagues are shattering old stereotypes and forcing the footballing world to take notice. "Internationally, I don't think it's as difficult to try to sell an Asian player coming abroad," he notes, highlighting a significant shift in perception.
Beyond individual success stories, Walters identifies a broader trend of increased professionalism and development within Asian leagues themselves. He cites the K League, where he began his career, as an example of a league that has made strides in broadcasting, player welfare, and academy development. "On the media side, it's a very professional product," he asserts, praising the availability of matches for international fans.
However, Walters also cautions against complacency. He believes that the K League, and Asian football in general, could benefit from a more outward-facing approach, actively marketing its product to a global audience. "Korea is just cool right now," he observes, referencing the global phenomenon of K-Pop and K-dramas. "Korean football is cool. Sell that, you know?"
He contrasts the K League's somewhat insular approach with the J League's more proactive international marketing, noting the presence of J League advertisements even in the bustling streets of Bangkok. "I think J League has done an outstanding job of marketing itself internationally," he argues, suggesting that the K League could learn from its neighbor's success.
Southeast Asia: A Hotbed of Passion and Potential
Shifting his focus to Southeast Asia, Walters paints a vivid picture of a region where football is more than just a game; it's an experience. "It's fun," he declares, his enthusiasm palpable. "Like, I think this is one of the things that I tell people. Anytime that folks are coming over to Southeast Asia for holiday or anything else, I'm like, go to a game."
He extols the affordability and accessibility of Southeast Asian football, where for a modest sum, fans can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere, fueled by passionate supporters and entertaining football. "You're going to see some goals," he promises. "You're going to have fun."
Walters acknowledges the challenges that persist in the region, including issues with organization and scheduling. However, he remains optimistic about the overall trajectory of Southeast Asian football, pointing to the increasing competitiveness of regional competitions and the growing success of clubs like Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Lion City Sailors. "The tide is rising within Southeast Asian football, I think," he asserts.
Thailand: A League of Contrasts
Thailand, with its passionate fanbase and rapidly developing league, occupies a special place in Walters's assessment of Asian football. He observes that the in-stadium atmosphere in Thailand is generally strong, with fans displaying a deep connection to their local clubs. "I think people care about the local team more than they do in other countries that I've spent time in," he notes.
However, he also identifies areas where Thai football could improve, particularly in terms of club management and fan engagement. He criticizes Bangkok United's decision to play their home games outside of the city, arguing that it hinders their ability to cultivate a strong local following. "If you're going to be Bangkok United, get back to Dindang, man," he urges, advocating for a return to the club's roots.
Walters also touches upon the issue of club ownership in Thailand, suggesting that some owners may prioritize their own interests over the long-term development of the club. "I think we have a problem here at the time where owners don't always have the best interests of the clubs," he observes, advocating for greater dialogue between clubs and their supporters. "I have meetings with your fans, bring in your supporters and talk to them. Wild idea. I know."
The Burden of Dominance: Buriram United's Paradox
The dominance of Buriram United in the Thai League is a subject of particular interest to Walters. He acknowledges the club's significant contributions to raising the league's profile and improving Thailand's coefficient ranking in Asian competitions. "They have almost single-handedly dragged Thai League's coefficient up," he admits, recognizing the positive impact of Buriram's success.
However, Walters also expresses concern about the lack of opportunities for young Thai players at Buriram, particularly in crucial continental matches. "Are those players getting minutes?" he asks, pointing to the irony of a club that develops young talent but then relies heavily on foreign players in high-stakes games.
This tension between domestic dominance and the development of local talent is a recurring theme in Walters's analysis of Asian football. He suggests that a salary cap, while controversial, could be a potential solution to promote greater parity and encourage the development of local players. "You don't know who's going to win MLS at the beginning of the season," he argues, contrasting the competitive balance in MLS with the predictability of some Asian leagues.
Confronting the Spectre of Corruption
Walters doesn't shy away from addressing the issue of corruption, a persistent challenge that casts a shadow over football in many parts of the world, including Asia. While acknowledging that corruption is a global problem, he suggests that it may be more visible in some Asian leagues. "It's just that in Thailand and Southeast Asia, folks get caught a little bit more," he observes.
He proposes that improving the financial situation of players and referees, particularly at lower levels of the game, could help to reduce the temptation for match-fixing. "If they're making enough that a bribe is less enticing, then they're not as likely to throw a match," he argues, highlighting the economic realities that can contribute to corruption.
Investing in the Future: Youth Development
The development of youth football is another area where Walters sees room for improvement in Asia. He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, coaching, and a long-term vision for nurturing young talent. "Make sure the pitches are in decent shape," he urges. "Have them playing on surfaces that would actually play like a professional pitch."
He also advocates for the involvement of former players in youth development, believing that their experience and expertise can provide invaluable guidance to aspiring footballers. "Keep football people in football," he advises.
The Foreign Influence: A Balancing Act
The role of foreign players and coaches in Asian football is a complex and often debated topic. Walters acknowledges the positive contributions that many foreigners have made to the development of the game in Asia, but he also cautions against an over-reliance on foreign talent. "I think a lot of times it was go get a big tall number nine and throw the ball into the box," he says, criticizing a simplistic approach to recruitment.
He advocates for a more balanced approach, where foreign players are used strategically to complement and develop local talent. He also suggests that Asian leagues should look beyond the traditional Western and South American markets for foreign players, exploring the potential of intra-regional transfers within ASEAN. "I wanna see more ASEAN players making movement," he argues, believing that this would benefit both the leagues and the national teams in the region.
National Team Aspirations: A Quest for Consistency
The ultimate measure of a nation's footballing progress is often its performance on the international stage. Walters discusses the challenges faced by Southeast Asian teams in achieving consistent success in Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying. He highlights the logistical difficulties of navigating the vast distances and diverse climates of Asia, which can take a toll on players. "I don't think people understand how tricky it is to navigate Asian qualifiers," he observes.
He also emphasizes the importance of squad cohesion and continuity for national team success, citing Indonesia's approach of building a team around a core group of young players. "You can't just assemble the Avengers all of a sudden and think they're all going to be able to work together," he argues, stressing the need for time and preparation.
Despite the challenges, Walters remains optimistic about the potential of Southeast Asian teams to make a greater impact on the global stage, particularly with the expansion of the World Cup. "If it's 64, not making it would be a failure," he declares, setting a high bar for ambition.
Thailand's Path Forward: Embracing Regional Leadership
Returning to the specific case of Thailand, Walters reiterates his belief that the Thai League should embrace its position as the leading league in Southeast Asia. He advocates for a more proactive approach to attracting and developing talent from within the region, rather than solely relying on foreign players from outside of Asia. "Be the flagship of your region," he urges.
He also stresses the importance of effective marketing and broadcasting strategies to increase the visibility of the Thai League, both domestically and internationally. He suggests emulating the J League's approach of making matches readily available on platforms like YouTube, and calls for higher-quality English commentary to cater to a global audience. "Thai League is fun," he asserts. "People people would watch it. It's just you need it has to be packaged in a way that people can digest and that people can understand and know the storylines and know the players."
The Challenges of Covering Asian Football: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Walters's own experiences as a journalist covering Asian football highlight the unique challenges and rewards of working in this dynamic region. He describes the grueling travel schedules, logistical complexities, and cultural nuances that can make his job both demanding and exhilarating. "It's a big continent, man," he emphasizes. "I don't think people understand it."
He recounts a particularly challenging experience covering the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (formerly the Suzuki Cup), where he and a colleague were responsible for all the on-the-ground coverage. "It's insane the distance and the things that players have to go through," he observes, expressing empathy for the physical and mental toll that travel and competition can take on athletes in Asia.
A Passion for the Game: The Allure of Jakarta and Beyond
Despite the challenges, Walters's passion for Asian football remains undimmed. He shares his personal connection to the Gwangyang Football Stadium in South Korea, where he first fell in love with the game, and expresses his admiration for the modern facilities at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Malaysia.
However, it is the electric atmosphere of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) in Jakarta, Indonesia, that truly encapsulates the magic of Asian football for him. He vividly describes the experience of witnessing a goal scored in front of a sold-out crowd, feeling the ground shake beneath his feet and being swept up in the collective euphoria. "The ground is shaking, and you can barely hear yourself think, and my adrenaline is off the charts," he recalls, his voice conveying the raw emotion of the moment. "Indonesian fans are next level."
Looking Ahead
As Asian football continues its ascent, figures like Ryan Walters, who dedicate their careers to documenting and analyzing the game, play a crucial role in shaping its narrative and bringing its stories to a wider audience. His passion, knowledge, and willingness to engage in candid and critical dialogue make him a compelling voice in the ongoing conversation about the future of football in Asia.
