Kim's 'mutant' left wing

left wing - Photo 1.

Le Van Do (right) in the match where CAHN won 3-1 against HAGL in round 18 of V-League - Photo: VPF

The left wing shines

After losing left winger Bui Vi Hao due to injury, the high performance of the above left wingers in round 18 of the V-League has made coach Kim Sang Sik somewhat reassured before the match against host Malaysia in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup on June 10. Specifically, Khuat Van Khang had an assist and scored a goal in the match The Cong - Viettel drew Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT) 2-2.

Also in this match, Vitor Le also had two assists to help teammates Mbo Noel and Huynh Tien Dat score. Joining the U22 Vietnam team for the first time and competing with the U22 Vietnam team in the CFA China Team 2025 International U22 Friendly Tournament last March helped Viktor Le improve his football skills.

In the match where Hanoi Police Club (CAHN) won 3-1 against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Le Van Do not only had many dangerous attacking passes, but also had a beautiful free kick in the heavy rain. That is also the weapon that coach Kim Sang Sik needs in the Vietnam team.

Many good choices

Before the ASEAN Cup 2024, the left wing was the weak point of the Vietnamese team when Khuat Van Khang showed that he was too young. But the presence of Van Vi later changed everything.

Van Vi's excellence at left-back opens up many tactical possibilities for coach Kim Sang Sik. Especially when Mr. Kim plans to call Cao Pendant Quang Vinh to the Vietnam team for the match against Malaysia.

Since Quang Vinh can play as a left-sided center-back and left-back, Mr. Kim can return Khuat Van Khang to his preferred left-sided forward position. This makes Van Khang even more dangerous, thanks to his technique and finishing ability. More importantly, this 22-year-old player is showing more and more progress as he is showing in the V-League.

Giving Viktor Le a chance in the Vietnam national team to replace Bui Vi Hao is also worth considering. Modern football thinking, strong competition, effective coordination with teammates help Viktor Le score points with coach Kim Sang Sik.

The weakness of this player who grew up from the CSKA Moscow youth academy is his lack of experience. If Viktor Le is present, the left wing of the Vietnamese team promises to cause a big surprise for Malaysia.

But the most anticipated player is Le Van Do - who scored 4 goals, contributing to CAHN Club's complete victory in the group stage of the Southeast Asian Club Championship - Shopee Cup 2024-2025.

He was also voted "Best Player" in two wins against host Kaya Iloilo 2-1 and Kuala Lumpur 3-2. In V-League, Le Van Do also played impressively. However, coach Kim Sang Sik did not call Le Van Do up for the FIFA Days last March.

At CAHN Club, coach Alexandre Polking often arranges left-sided central defender Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, left-back Le Van Do and left-forward Quang Hai.

That is also a suggestion for coach Kim Sang Sik if he wants to call Le Van Do for the match against host Malaysia, when these three players are very familiar with each other in coordination.