Young stars ease coach Troussier's worries

Compared to the V.League, domestic players and young players often have more opportunities to showcase their skills in the National Cup. The rule prohibiting V.League teams from using foreign players when facing lower-division teams also creates more opportunities for domestic players, especially those who rarely get playing time in the V.League.

The qualifying matches for the 2023/24 National Cup are no exception.

Quang Nam 4-1 Hoa Binh

Midfielder Nguyen Dinh Bac – who played in two matches in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and recently scored on his debut for the Vietnamese national team – has eased coach Philippe Troussier's concerns. The French coach was worried that players like Dinh Bac would not have many opportunities to play when they returned to their clubs.

However, the 19-year-old striker not only played but also made a significant contribution to Quang Nam FC's 4-1 victory over Hoa Binh . He showcased all his strengths in the goal that put them ahead 3-1: composure, dribbling ability, and decisive finishing.

In addition, Dinh Bac had another one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper but his shot hit the post.

Not only Dinh Bac, but many young players from other teams were also given the opportunity to play in the National Cup. Among them, several players under the age of 23 and who had recently been called up to youth national teams made an impression.

Nguyen Dinh Bac delivered an impressive performance for the team upon his return from the Vietnamese national team. (Photo: Hoa Binh Club)

At Hoa Xuan Stadium, two U20 and U23 Vietnam national team players, Nguyen Phi Hoang and Nguyen Minh Quang, secured a victory for Da Nang FC against Hue FC. With the Da Nang team playing in the First Division (relegated after the 2023 season), the duo have ample opportunity to play and make their mark. This is crucial as their goal is to qualify for the U23 Asian Championship finals next year.

The biggest win in the National Cup qualifying round belonged to SLNA. The team from Nghe An province won 6-2 against Dong Thap. Without any foreign players, this was entirely a performance by the young domestic players.

Coach Phan Như Thuật fielded a team with eight players under the age of 23. Đinh Xuân Tiến and Trần Mạnh Quỳnh each scored a brace.

The fact that the players have shone and made their mark is a positive sign for the national team. In early 2024, the Vietnamese national team and the U23 Vietnamese team will compete in two of Asia's top tournaments.

Players need to be given opportunities to play regularly and maintain their ball control. However, they also need to strive to prove their ability and value to the team. When clubs return to the V.League, competition for positions will become more difficult as clubs face greater pressure to achieve results, and coaches will also have to make room for foreign players.