The path Le Viktor is taking will help Tran Thanh Trung conquer U.23 Vietnam.

While most overseas Vietnamese players do not stay in the U.23 Vietnam team, Le Viktor has proven his ability and gradually become an important player for coach Kim Sang-sik.

Le Viktor's footprint in the Vietnam U.23 team.

Le Viktor began to gain trust in the Vietnam U23 team during the March training camp, when coach Dinh Hong Vinh included him in the squad for a friendly match in China. The midfielder, born in 2003, played in all three matches and was praised by coach Dinh Hong Vinh for his aggressive play, hard work, and unwavering enthusiasm.

During that period in the V-League, Le Viktor scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists for Ha Tinh Club. However, despite a dream start with the Vietnam U23 team and stable form at the club, Le Viktor remained on the bench for all 4 matches at the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, under coach Kim Sang-sik.

Le Viktor (right) in the Vietnam U.23 jersey.

PHOTO: MINH TU

It wasn't until the match against Bangladesh U23 that Le Viktor scored his first goal for Vietnam U23. Then, in the game against Singapore U23, he made his first start. Le Viktor's firsts even came after those of players in the first division like Xuan Bac, Hieu Minh, or younger players like Cong Phuong.

Because, for any U23 Vietnam player, a good resume, or time playing abroad (Le Viktor was selected for the Torpedo Moscow youth academy and later the CSKA Moscow Football Academy in Russia) does not automatically translate into a starting spot. If that were the case, overseas Vietnamese like Andrej Nguyen An Khanh or Bui Alex would not have been dropped from the squad.

To succeed, the only path for any athlete is to meet the training intensity, tactical demands, and adapt to the circumstances.

Like most Vietnamese players of overseas origin, Le Viktor carried high expectations on his shoulders, but faced difficulties in the early stages due to language barriers and the climate. His prolonged time on the bench during his first year in Vietnam is a prime example.

Even when Le Viktor started scoring or assisting in the V-League, coach Nguyen Thanh Cong only commented briefly: Le Viktor has potential, but needs to try harder.

Viktor Le is improving every day.

PHOTO: MINH TU

And then, persistent daily efforts helped Le Viktor gradually gain trust. In the Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, although Le Viktor played with great enthusiasm, his ball handling was not yet neat, his rhythm was not synchronized with the game, and there were many discordant movements.

However, the U.23 Asian qualifiers presented a very different version of Le Viktor. His passing was more precise, his positioning more intelligent (like the goal against U.23 Bangladesh), and his finishing was also more clinical. If not for the crossbar and post denying him unfortunately, Le Viktor could have scored two more goals.

Luck continued to elude Le Viktor, but coach Kim Sang-sik did not. His increasing playing time with the Vietnam U23 team is a testament to Coach Kim's recognition of the Vietnamese expatriate of Russian descent. After overcoming difficulties, Le Viktor is steadily progressing on the path to maturity.

What about Tran Thanh Trung?

Looking back at the struggles faced by overseas Vietnamese in the Vietnam U23 team, it's easier to sympathize with Tran Thanh Trung's challenging beginnings.

The 19-year-old midfielder was dropped from the squad during the preparation phase because he had not yet recovered from his injury (he joined the national team while still recovering from the injury), and Thanh Trung was also trying to get used to the hot climate in Vietnam.

Thanh Trung (second from the left) needs more time.

PHOTO: VFF

A good resume is not a stepping stone for Tran Thanh Trung, because in the competitive race, coach Kim Sang-sik affirms that all players start from the same point. Whoever plays well will be selected, it's as simple as that. The South Korean strategist only opens the door to those who are dedicated enough, and that is what Tran Thanh Trung needs to demonstrate.

With 62 appearances in the Bulgarian national league, along with experience playing for youth teams in Bulgaria, it's safe to say Tran Thanh Trung possesses all the necessary qualities. What the Ninh Binh FC midfielder needs is time to adapt to the "gears" of Vietnamese football.

Coach Kim Sang-sik declared that the door will be wide open for Tran Thanh Trung in future training camps. He acknowledged that the road ahead will be more challenging for overseas Vietnamese players like Thanh Trung and Le Viktor. However, overcoming these obstacles is essential for achieving true success.

With promising and determined Vietnamese midfielders living abroad, the Vietnam U23 team will become even stronger.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/con-duong-le-viktor-dang-di-se-giup-tran-thanh-trung-chinh-phuc-u23-viet-nam-185250908161559247.htm