"True gold is not brass / Don't put it to the test of fire and hurt the gold" - Yes, the golden generation of Vietnamese football, built over the past five years, is still here, still the pillars of V-League clubs. But because football never stands still, and because the goals of each period are different, the golden generation must also go through the "test of fire," must train to create new quality.

"The bamboo hasn't withered yet, but the shoots are already sprouting" can be a joyful way to describe the fact that our current generation of players is quite large. Coach Troussier has a substantial asset in terms of both quantity and quality, encompassing both experience and youthful energy. If he has already demonstrated confidence in the abilities of the younger generation through the Doha Cup and the recent SEA Games 32, then this test is hoped to yield positive results, further reinforcing confidence in the veteran players.

Vietnam U22 team. Photo: VIET AN

It's a shame that key players like Quang Hai and Cong Phuong, currently playing for clubs in France and Japan, aren't getting playing time. Similarly, striker Tien Linh – the national team's and Becamex Binh Duong 's main goalscorer – hasn't scored in eight rounds of the V-League 2023. There are many reasons to discuss the poor performance of these players, but what is their actual form? That's why it's essential to assess the form and momentum of not just a few players, but all players, including those currently performing well.

Unlike Coach Park Hang-seo, who built the national team on a strong foundation of the U23 team that won the Asian runner-up title, only adding a few older players, Coach Troussier has a large number of players in their prime. According to him, the rebuilding process will involve approximately 30-40% young players. Looking towards the 2026 World Cup and beyond to the 2030 World Cup, incorporating more young players into the team is essential. For now, the majority and core will undoubtedly remain current players.

It's easy to see that in defense and midfield, a number of players are still in high form and reliable. Moreover, some of them are improving. Van Thanh is versatile, running down the wing and finishing better. Hoang Duc is not only good at controlling the ball and escaping pressure, but also participates in attacks and scores more effectively. Chau Ngoc Quang and Tuan Anh are also more agile and sharper than before. In attack, Pham Tuan Hai has recently played well; if Van Toan, Cong Phuong, and Tien Linh are not called up, or if they are called up but don't truly strive to rediscover their form, it will be very difficult for them to secure a starting position. This is something Coach Troussier has anticipated. He has clearly shown his intention to use young players, so Nham Manh Dung still has a chance. More importantly, he is targeting the U23 team and even younger players with the hopes of Van Tung, Quoc Viet, Van Truong, Van Khang, Thanh Nhan...

Having to simultaneously focus on two teams playing friendly matches in June, it remains to be seen how the "white wizard" will handle it. All that is certain is that every member of the national team must strive to prove themselves to earn the trust of their new coach and the public. For them, despite their experience, this is a new beginning, and they must live up to their seniority.

THUONG NGUYEN