Surprise in the Vietnam U.23 squad.

When will Coach Kim 'reappear' with the Vietnam U.23 team?

The Vietnam U23 team, comprising 26 players, will gather from November 10th and travel to China to participate in the 2025 Panda Cup friendly tournament. From November 23rd to 29th, coach Kim Sang-sik will directly lead the Vietnam U23 team, training in Ba Ria (Ho Chi Minh City) and then moving to Chiang Mai (Thailand) on December 2nd to participate in the 33rd SEA Games.

Bất ngờ nhân sự U.23 Việt Nam- Ảnh 1. — The Vietnam U23 team has many players currently playing for V-League teams battling to avoid relegation. Pictured is Thanh Nhàn of PVF-CAND.

Coach Kim will summon the strongest possible squad for the Vietnam U23 team, finalizing the 23-man roster for their quest to win the SEA Games 33 gold medal. Surprisingly, teams battling relegation in the V-League 2025-2026 will play a significant role in providing the core players for the Vietnam U23 team.

While in previous years, strong teams like Hanoi FC and The Cong Viettel were the main "suppliers" for the national youth teams, this year, Mr. Kim's list has a different character. V-League leaders Ninh Binh FC contributed two players: Quoc Viet and Thanh Trung. Hanoi Police FC contributed Dinh Bac, Minh Phuc, and Ly Duc. Ho Chi Minh City Police FC had Nguyen Tan and Quoc Cuong. The Cong Viettel had five players: Van Khang, Cong Phuong, Xuan Tien, Thanh Dat, and Tuan Phong.

Teams struggling in the relegation battle, such as PVF-CAND, Thanh Hoa, HAGL, Da Nang , and SLNA, have become a "gold mine" for talent. They contributed a total of over 13 players, including many familiar names who performed outstandingly at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship (where Vietnam won the title) and the U23 Asian Championship qualifiers. Specifically, PVF-CAND contributed 5 players: Hieu Minh, Xuan Bac, Thanh Nhan, Anh Quan, and Bao Long; Thanh Hoa contributed Van Thuan, Thai Son, and Ngoc My; HAGL sent Trung Kien and Quang Kiet; Da Nang contributed Phi Hoang and Duc Anh; and SLNA contributed Van Binh and Nam Hai.

The common thread among the players from clubs battling relegation is that they get regular playing time in the V-League, not having to sit on the bench waiting for opportunities. The pressure of survival and the fighting spirit in crucial matches have helped them mature significantly. Coach Kim Sang-sik recognizes this. He is not only looking for technically skilled players but also wants to build a team with a strong fighting spirit, willing to face challenges – something the young players from the bottom of the table are clearly demonstrating.

In the journey towards the SEA Games gold medal, the participation of players from the "bottom" of the V-League will be clear proof: When difficulties arise, opportunities will open up for those who know how to strive and keep moving forward.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bat-ngo-nhan-su-u23-viet-nam-185251103230020899.htm