Vietnam team will have a more classy midfield

Coach Kim Sang-sik needs to drastically reform the Vietnamese team's midfield to shape a stable playing philosophy and better ball control.

WEAKNESS IN THE MIDDLE LINE

Many problems were pointed out in the two victories against Nepal (Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, October 9 and 14) of the Vietnamese team, such as wasting opportunities, lack of ideas, key players losing form... However, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Vietnamese team struggled against an opponent 62 places lower on the FIFA rankings, because they could not control the game, create systematic pressure to overwhelm the opponent and have diverse attacks.

Mr. Kim is lacking a solid enough midfield. The midfield is also the most unstable defense of the Vietnamese team in the past year.

Hoang Duc (14) needs more support in midfield

PHOTO: DONG NGUYEN KHANG

When taking over the Vietnamese team, Mr. Kim pursued the "Hoang Duc + 1" formula. Hoang Duc was assigned the role of midfield boss, responsible for coordinating and developing the ball thanks to his tactical vision and comprehensive technique. Beside him, there needed to be a sweeper midfielder with a source of sustained energy to block, support the defense and recover the ball. At the AFF Cup 2024, Mr. Kim found Ngoc Tan. The formula of creative Hoang Duc and recovering Ngoc Tan helped the Vietnamese team return to the top of Southeast Asia.

However, when Ngoc Tan was injured, the midfield gap was exposed. Mr. Kim summoned the "strange bird" Minh Khoa, but the midfielder of Becamex TP.HCM has not shown much despite playing aggressively and determinedly in the March training session.

In the match against Nepal, Mr. Kim used Thanh Long in the midfield next to Hoang Duc. The midfielder born in 1996 is a sweeper, cleaner and versatile type, but is not creative enough to completely dominate the midfield with Hoang Duc.

Because of the unstable midfield, the Vietnamese team does not have a stable, poised, and flexible rhythm to really "sweep away" the opponent. Mr. Kim's students have to play on the wing, cross high, play long balls, and sometimes skip the midfield, passing the ball straight from the defense to the forwards. That is obviously not the way a strong team plays. The Vietnamese team needs to control the game, step out of the defensive counter-attacking pattern that has become their identity, to build a more sustainable control philosophy.

LOOKING FOR HOPE

To improve the Vietnamese team, coach Kim Sang-sik needs more central midfielders to share the creative task with Hoang Duc, and attacking midfielders capable of making a difference with just one pass. If there are only "workers" who rely on their strength, it will be difficult for the Vietnamese team to improve their playing ideas.

The situation has improved, as Mr. Kim is preparing to add a talented element. Do Hoang Hen has Vietnamese nationality, waiting for his profile to be assessed to set a date to be called up to wear the national team shirt. Although he is 31 years old and can only contribute for another 3-4 years, he will bring significant strength to the midfield.

In the match against Ninh Binh , Hoang Hen only needed one half to show his class. The Brazilian midfielder has a skillful left foot, a calm, gentle and effective playing style with soft passes.

During his 5 years playing football in Vietnam, Hoang Hen contributed to 60 goals (scoring 29 goals, assisting 31 goals). He is familiar with the playing rhythm of the V-League, understands Vietnamese football and culture to easily adapt. He brings ideas and superior control to the midfield thanks to his technical foundation, which is what Mr. Kim has seen through. In the match against Malaysia in March 2026, he will be present. Another premium ingredient for Mr. Kim to "re-cook" the midfield and playing style in a more technical and smooth direction.

In addition, Minh Khoa's good form also helps Mr. Kim feel more secure. At the age of 23, he is currently the best young midfielder. With the number 10 shirt and the role of leading the play at the club, he is having a favorable stepping stone to progress every day, step by step reaching the level that Mr. Kim desires.

Not to mention, Hoang Duc still maintains good form in Ninh Binh. He was praised by coach Gerald Albadalejo for his "extraterrestrial" effort when he suppressed the pain to return to play. In the match against Hanoi , although Ninh Binh could not control the game, Hoang Duc still made a difference with his trademark assists and sparks. When he returns to 100% form, the Vietnamese team can rest assured to rebuild the midfield to dream of further goals.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-se-co-tuyen-giua-dang-cap-hon-185251021165428422.htm