C. HIGH TARGETS, HIGH PRESSURE
The Vietnamese national team has the task of defending their AFF Cup title in 2026 (July 24 - August 26), aiming for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 (the first time it will be held from September 21 - October 6), and at least advancing beyond the group stage of the Asian Cup 2027 (January 7, 2027 - February 5, 2027). The packed schedule, coupled with high goals, will create considerable pressure on the Vietnamese players. This pressure comes with the risk of injury and overwork. Therefore, coach Kim Sang-sik must prepare a reserve squad for the Vietnamese national team, in addition to the core group of players. The main reserve players are the U23 Vietnamese national team members who made a name for themselves at the SEA Games 33 and the U23 Asian Championship 2026.
Excluding the group of young players including striker Nguyen Dinh Bac, midfielder Khuat Van Khang, center-back Nguyen Nhat Minh, and goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien, who already have a place in the national team, there are still a number of other players who could develop significantly this year, capable of appearing in the Vietnamese national team in major tournaments in the near future.
Will Thanh Nhàn (right) have the chance to play alongside her senior teammate Quang Hải in the Vietnamese national team?
PHOTO: MINH TU
TALENT IS DISTRIBUTED EVENLY ACROSS ALL LINES
In the goalkeeper position, coach Kim Sang-sik could reserve a spot for Cao Van Binh, who played exceptionally well when Vietnam U23 defeated South Korea U23 in the bronze medal match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship. Currently, Cao Van Binh is unlikely to secure a place in the Vietnamese national team due to the excellent performances of goalkeepers Nguyen Filip, Dang Van Lam, and Tran Trung Kien. However, between now and early 2027, if one of the aforementioned goalkeepers suffers an injury or a drop in form, Cao Van Binh will be a valuable backup option.
In the defensive line, Nguyen Hieu Minh is actively recovering from injury, but he will return to the field in September and will most likely be added to the squad for the 2027 Asian Cup. Former VFF Vice President for Professional Affairs Duong Vu Lam said: "Hieu Minh is tall, 1.84m, and plays very technically. Looking at Hieu Minh, I see the image of Nhu Thanh and Do Khai from the past, center-backs who won against opponents with very high ball recovery skills, not with roughness and brutality. I look forward to seeing Hieu Minh reappear at the 2027 Asian Cup." The "giant" center-back Dinh Quang Kiet, 1.95m tall, with an almost absolute advantage in terms of physique, still has a chance to join the national team if he performs successfully at the 20th Asian Games (September 19 - October 4) in the colors of the Vietnam U23 team.
Right-back Pham Minh Phuc is also a player that coach Kim Sang-sik should pay attention to. Minh Phuc shares many similarities with Vietnam's current number one right-back, Truong Tien Anh: fast, agile, technically skilled, effective in attack, good passing, and good finishing. If looking for a backup right-back for Truong Tien Anh in the AFF Cup, FIFA ASEAN Cup, and Asian Cup, perhaps no one is more ideal than Minh Phuc.
In midfield, if Thai Son recovers in time, he could be called up to the Vietnamese national team early next year. Young player Xuan Bac is also fit enough to play for the national team. Thai Son and Xuan Bac play very well, especially in their ability to recover the ball and defend from afar, while this is one of the weaknesses of the Vietnamese national team, since central midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan's form declined.
As for the forward line, we must mention Bui Vi Hao and Nguyen Thanh Nhan. Vi Hao performed quite well at the 2024 AFF Cup; he has no shortage of international experience and is no stranger to coach Kim Sang-sik. Coach Kim may give the player, currently playing for Becamex Ho Chi Minh City FC, a chance to return to the national team when he regains his form. As for Thanh Nhan, if you're looking for a "super substitute," a "trump card" to use when the opponent's fitness declines and defenses are lacking, no player is more dangerous than this striker.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-dung-quen-nhan-to-tre-185260411220229976.htm
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