Bui Tien Dung is making an impressive comeback in the Vietnamese national team jersey.
The spectacular return of Bui Tien Dung
Coach Philippe Troussier's legacy left behind many sad stories, including Bui Tien Dung, who was called up by the French coach but never used, even pushed to the stands as an extra person.
Those were sad times for the central defender from Ha Tinh who left a deep impression on the audience with his successful 11m penalty kick, helping the Vietnamese team defeat Jordan to enter the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup, and his celebration with a soldier's salute.
It should also be added that physical strength has also been a big challenge for Changzhou hero Bui Tien Dung, as injuries have kept him absent from the V-League, raising concerns for coach Kim Sang-sik in the preparation process for the 2024 AFF Cup.
Bui Tien Dung is shining at AFF Cup 2024
But then with determination and strong will, Bui Tien Dung convinced the Korean coach to become the number 1 choice for the left center-back role in the center of defense.
Although not left-footed, Bui Tien Dung's ability to pass the ball well with both feet helps people easily forget his junior Phan Tuan Tai in the position where he once shone when he and the U.23 Vietnam team reached the final of the 2018 U.23 Asian Cup in Changzhou.
Although he is the shortest among the central defenders (1.76 m tall), his ability to jump and choose a good landing spot has helped Bui Tien Dung surpass his juniors Thanh Binh, Viet Anh and even captain Duy Manh to become the number 1 choice in the left central defender position.
Kim's reliable stopper
Coach Kim Sang-sik was right to put his trust in Bui Tien Dung.
At this point in the 2024 AFF Cup, coach Kim Sang-sik can rotate the squad between Duy Manh and Xuan Manh, but Bui Tien Dung is always in the starting lineup, except for being rested in the match against the Philippines and giving the opportunity to play to his younger brother Thanh Binh.
Bui Tien Dung's ability to defend calmly, read situations well and connect effectively with Thanh Chung helped the Vietnamese team only lose 1 goal in the 3 matches he played - due to an accident in the coordination between Dinh Trieu and Duy Manh.
At the age of 29, Bui Tien Dung is shining brightly, affirming his value, receiving high professional recognition from coach Kim Sang-sik. He is one of the typical examples of Mr. Kim's way of using people according to their abilities, valuing both veterans and young players.
Hopefully, Bui Tien Dung's second spring will continue to last, to satisfy the goal of bringing the Vietnamese team to the AFF Cup final for the second consecutive time and repay the debt to the Thais two years ago.
Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 is broadcast live and in full on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn
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