Behind the transformation of the Vietnam U23 team when venturing into the "big stage" of Asia.

Having witnessed firsthand the fierce clashes with West Asian opponents, former national team player Nguyen Trong Hoang has offered his expert assessment of the Vietnam U23 team. According to the midfielder from Nghe An, this maturity is the result of a long process of accumulation.

"Vietnam U23 team played confidently"

Unlike the impatience often seen in young players, what impressed Trong Hoang most about the current Vietnam U23 team is their composure. The midfielder from Nghe An commented: "I see the Vietnam U23 team playing more maturely; the players don't rush their play."

Trong Hoang praised the ball circulation ability of Khuat Van Khang and his teammates: "They build up play from the back, control the ball together, and come up with solutions very quickly, attacking directly into the opponent's key positions." This is proof of a highly connected tactical system, where the players not only play with strength but also with a cool head.

Trong Hoang was once a legendary winger for the Vietnamese national team.

PHOTO: MINH TU

Explaining his confidence when facing "big names" like Jordan or Saudi Arabia, Trong Hoang pointed out a key factor: practical experience. "This generation of players has honed their skills extensively in the V-League. Almost all of them are regular starters and players at their clubs. Through that, they have gained a lot of experience and maturity."

Trong Hoang emphasized that experiencing the harsh professional atmosphere of the domestic league has helped young players avoid feeling overwhelmed when venturing into the wider world. Furthermore, the consistent skill level of the players allows coaches to rotate personnel without weakening the team's core structure.

Different from fixed situations

Former national team player Trong Hoang also paid special attention to the change in the approach to set pieces by coach Kim Sang-sik's team. The midfielder, born in 1989, compared it to the previous era to clearly see the evolution: "During coach Park Hang-seo's time, dead ball situations or corner kicks were usually basic tactics. However, now I see newer, better tactics that surprise the opponent. With the advantage of physique and height of this generation of players, making the most of the 'scenarios' from set pieces has transformed the Vietnam U23 team into a diverse and unpredictable team."

Vietnam U23 will face another West Asian representative, UAE U23, in the quarterfinals.

PHOTO: TED TRAN

Personally, Nguyen Trong Hoang pays special attention to his younger compatriot Nguyen Dinh Bac. He considers him a "quality and indispensable" player in the tactical scheme of the Vietnam U23 team. The expectation of an older player for Dinh Bac to shine in crucial matches is also the shared belief of the fans.

With three consecutive wins in the group stage, the Vietnam U23 team not only surprised with their results but also with their convincing style of play. The combination of ideal physique, practical experience, and sharp tactical strategies from the coaching staff is giving the Golden Star team great hope of progressing deep into the continental tournament.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dang-sau-man-lot-xac-cua-u23-viet-nam-khi-ra-bien-lon-chau-a-18526011412204368.htm