The flag has fallen into Tuan Hai's hands.

With Cong Phuong absent and Tien Linh yet to regain his form, Tuan Hai is expected to become the "main character" of the attack.

Tuan Hai is currently the best-performing player in the Vietnamese national team's attack. Photo: Tam Minh .

At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, coach Kim Sang-sik's first tournament with the Vietnamese national team, Pham Tuan Hai played only a supporting role. The top choices for the South Korean coach at that time were Xuan Son and Tien Linh.

The turning point came for the Hanoi FC player in the second leg of the final in Thailand. Making his first start, Tuan Hai not only scored the opening goal but also directly pressured center-back Pansa Hemviboon, causing him to score an own goal. Vietnam won 3-2, clinching the championship title right on Thai soil.

During the training camp in March, the player from Ha Nam unfortunately suffered an injury, missing the match against Laos. In this training camp, the Vietnamese national team is without Xuan Son, Van Toan, or Vi Hao. Cong Phuong also reluctantly said goodbye to the team due to injury. From being a backup option, Tuan Hai now has the opportunity to become a true "main character".

Tuan Hai has the opportunity to become the leading striker. Photo: Phuong Thuy .

In his last 5 V.League matches, Tuan Hai scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists. The 1998-born player's good form is a positive sign for coach Kim Sang-sik ahead of the match against Malaysia. Currently, the Vietnamese national team's attack faces numerous concerns: Tien Linh is still struggling to regain his form, Thanh Binh hasn't made much of an impact, and Quoc Viet is a long-term development option. If a center forward is needed who can apply pressure, create space, and capitalize on opportunities in a big match like against Malaysia, Tuan Hai is the best choice.

Tuan Hai is a forward who tends to be more of a support player, playing deeper and moving wider. However, with his high fighting spirit, impressive acceleration, and good pressing ability, he is perfectly suited to a quick counter-attack strategy to utilize his speed and stamina. Tuan Hai's danger lies in his ability to be in the right place at the right time and his persistence in every play.

In a team seeking freshness and effectiveness, Tuan Hai is no longer a backup option. He is a striker who can immediately deliver both technical skill and fighting spirit.

Before the match against Malaysia, the Vietnamese team didn't have many promising options in attack. But it was precisely in this situation of scarcity and challenge that Tuan Hai would no longer be a backup player. He deserved to be given the opportunity to start the game.

Source: https://znews.vn/co-den-tay-tuan-hai-post1558196.html