Kim's 'mutant' left wing

Left wing - Photo 1.

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

The left wing shines

After losing left winger Bui Vi Hao to injury, the high performance of the aforementioned left wingers in V-League Round 18 has given coach Kim Sang Sik some reassurance ahead of the match against host Malaysia in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup on June 10th. Specifically, Khuat Van Khang provided an assist and scored a goal in the match between The Cong and Viettel , which ended in a 2-2 draw against Hong Linh Ha Tinh (HLHT).

In this match, Viktor Le also provided two assists, helping his teammates Mbo Noel and Huynh Tien Dat score goals. His first time joining the Vietnam U22 national team and playing 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 FC (CAHN) defeated Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3-1, Le Van Do not only made many dangerous attacking passes, but also scored a beautiful free-kick in the heavy rain. This is also a weapon that coach Kim Sang Sik needs for the Vietnamese national team.

Many good options

Prior to the ASEAN Cup 2024, the left flank was a weakness for the Vietnamese national team, with Khuất Văn Khang proving to be too inexperienced. However, the subsequent arrival of Văn Vĩ changed everything.

Van Vi's excellent performance at left back opens up many tactical possibilities for coach Kim Sang Sik. This is especially true as Coach Kim plans to call up Cao Pendant Quang Vinh to the Vietnamese national team for the match against Malaysia.

Since Quang Vinh can play as a left-sided center-back and left-back, Coach Kim can return Khuất Văn Khang to his preferred position as a left-wing forward. This makes Văn Khang even more dangerous, thanks to his technique and finishing skills. More importantly, the 22-year-old is showing increasing progress, as he is demonstrating in the V-League.

Giving Viktor Lê a chance in the Vietnamese national team instead of Bùi Vĩ Hào is also worth considering. His modern playing style, strong tackling, and effective teamwork have impressed coach Kim Sang Sik.

The weakness of this player, who came through the CSKA Moscow youth academy, is his lack of match experience. With Viktor Le on the team, the left wing of the Vietnamese national team promises to spring a significant surprise on Malaysia.

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

He was also voted "Man of the Match" in two victories against hosts Kaya Iloilo (2-1) and Kuala Lumpur (3-2). In the V-League, Le Van Do also played impressively. However, coach Kim Sang Sik did not call up Le Van Do for the FIFA Days in March.

At CAHN Club, coach Alexandre Polking usually deployed Cao Pendant Quang Vinh as the left-sided center-back, Le Van Do as the left-back, and Quang Hai as the left winger.

This also serves as a suggestion for coach Kim Sang Sik if he wants to call up Le Van Do for the match against host Malaysia, as all three players are very familiar with each other's coordination.