FROM YOUNGEST BROTHER TO BIG BROTHER
Three years ago, Coach Gong Oh-kyun surprised everyone when he called up the duo Van Truong and Van Khang to the U.23 Vietnam squad for the 2022 U.23 Asian Cup. Both played the role of the youngest players of the team when they were only 19 years old and played with their 22 and 23 year old seniors. Truong and Khang were even paired together in the midfield and left an impression.
U.23 Vietnam has a squad of players full of potential
Photo: DONG NGUYEN KHANG
Although he has only been with the Vietnamese youth team for 2 months, Mr. Gong Oh-kyun has shown his keen eye for talent. In the last two V-League seasons, Van Truong played 42 matches for Hanoi FC, while Van Khang played 49 matches for The Cong Viettel .
Van Khang scored in his debut for the Vietnam national team in September 2022, becoming a factor competing for a starting position on the left flank thanks to his skillful "left wing" and fiery playing style. Van Truong was called up to the Vietnam national team by coach Philippe Troussier in 2023. Although he has not yet had a starting position, the opportunity given by both Mr. Troussier and Mr. Kim Sang-sik speaks to the potential of the "young shoot" of Hanoi , as he can play as a central midfielder or striker thanks to his comprehensive skills, vision and physique.
Compared to the seniors such as Cong Phuong, Duy Manh, Van Hau, Quang Hai, the generation born in 2003 - 2004 of Van Truong, Van Khang, Thai Son, Vi Hao... approached the Vietnamese national team jersey a bit later, and still have a long way to go to gain a position. However, each player will have their own development path. There are players who emerge early, but there are also "late bloomers". The important thing is that Coach Kim Sang-sik's students need to show maturity after the opportunities given.
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TEACHER K IM'S EXPECTATIONS
Besides the duo Van Truong - Van Khang who emerged early from the U.19 team, coach Kim Sang-sik also has pillars who have experienced many tournaments, such as Thanh Nhan, Thai Son, Trung Kien, Dinh Bac, Van Cuong... There are factors that have worn the Vietnamese national team jersey to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the 2023 Asian Cup or the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers and also faces that have "sunk and floated" at the 33rd SEA Games, the 19th ASIAD or the U.23 Southeast Asia. Whether successful or not, it is the "furnace" for the gold bars to become stronger and more brilliant.
Van Khang (right cover) is also trusted.
Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang
The above players will be the backbone supporting U.23 Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang-sik has a strong team in the youth football field, from goalkeeper, center back, midfielder to striker. Van Truong and the pillars play the role of guiding the young generation, just like what this generation of players received from their seniors born in 1999 - 2000 years ago.
The captaincy has been rotated through Van Truong, Le Viktor and Van Khang, which also reflects Mr. Kim’s approach to using people. All three played over 20 matches in the V-League for their home teams last season. Only when they have a solid background will a player have the courage and voice to lead the team.
In terms of ability, it is possible to believe that Van Khang, Van Truong, Dinh Bac... are qualified enough to take the lead and lead U.23 Vietnam in terms of expertise thanks to their proven class and different technical and tactical qualities compared to the average young player. However, to become a leader in terms of competitive spirit, which is the most important measure of youth football, Coach Kim Sang-sik needs time to verify. Only specific matches, with specific pressure on the field, can we classify who is truly tough and calm enough to lead the whole generation.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ai-du-tam-tro-thanh-dau-tau-u23-viet-nam-185250709220721134.htm
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