The pioneer who instilled confidence in naturalized players.

TURNING POINT

Nguyen Xuan Son will make his debut for the Vietnamese national team in the final group stage match of the AFF Cup 2024 against Myanmar, taking place at 8 PM today (December 21st) at Viet Tri Stadium. Five years after arriving in Vietnam to sign a contract with Nam Dinh FC, Xuan Son is about to fulfill a dream he has pursued for many months: to contribute to the Vietnamese national team and sing the Vietnamese national anthem on the international stage.

Nguyen Xuan Son is ready for his debut.

Before Xuan Son, 29 foreign players had been naturalized as Vietnamese citizens. Some of them have played for the national team, such as Dinh Hoang La, Phan Van Santos, and Huynh Kesley Alves. However, none have ever competed with the national team in an official tournament and been expected to achieve as much as Xuan Son. He emerged at the right time, when football had entered a phase of globalization, paving the way for many naturalized players to contribute. At a time when nationality is no longer a major barrier in the thinking of fans and those involved in football, the door has opened wide for Xuan Son.

But above all, Xuan Son was called up to the preliminary squad because of his ability. In his five years in the V-League, the 27-year-old striker has become one of the most versatile and high-class attacking players Vietnamese football has ever seen. Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that Xuan Son can bring a lot to the Vietnamese national team. As for the Nam Dinh striker himself, the desire to wear the national team jersey has motivated him to give his best effort.

He won over fans with his professionalism and love for Vietnam and its people. He and his wife and children learned Vietnamese, went to the market with his family to buy banana cakes, and practiced singing the Vietnamese national anthem every day. “I am confident I can sing the Vietnamese national anthem. For the fans, I have been practicing every day,” Xuan Son shared before the match. The striker prepared meticulously down to the smallest detail, and watching his teammates from the stands for three matches further fueled his determination to deliver an explosive debut.

K HAI BREAKS A NEW PATH

If Xuan Son shines, not only will he be able to solidify his individual position in the Vietnamese national team, but it will also pave the way for other naturalized foreign players to step onto the big stage.

Commentator Ngo Quang Tung analyzed: “ The world is gradually becoming more open to naturalized players, and we should do the same. If a player meets the legal requirements, is professionally competent, and has a heart for Vietnam in general and Vietnamese football in particular, don't hesitate to give them a chance. Of course, Coach Kim Sang-sik should only call up those who already possess all the necessary qualities (fitting the established criteria) to serve the Vietnamese national team.”

Commentator Quang Huy also expressed his opinion: "Foreign players who want to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey need to have a genuine desire to contribute, possess sufficient Vietnamese language skills, and be able to sing the national anthem... Vietnamese football should not abuse naturalization, but it should also not waste any resources in reviving the national team."

The image of Xuan Son in the national team jersey tonight will be very special. Because he's not just a "tough guy" dedicating himself to the national team, but also symbolizes a shift in the mindset of an entire football system. We need successful role models like Xuan Son to truly unlock the final hurdle, thereby opening our hearts to individuals who may come from unfamiliar backgrounds, but possess talent and love Vietnam with all their hearts.

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared: “We are very fortunate to have Xuan Son in the squad. Xuan Son has good qualities in terms of physique, fitness, and technique. Tomorrow is a new beginning for Xuan Son, and we hope he will perform well to dedicate to the fans of the national team.”

Myanmar's coach Myo Hlaing Win stated his opinion: "We know that the Vietnamese team will have Xuan Son, but besides him, the Vietnamese team has many other high-class and experienced players. Myanmar will not focus on any individual, but on the entire Vietnamese team. This match will be very interesting."

Watch the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 live and in its entirety onFPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xuan-son-nguoi-khai-pha-niem-tin-cho-cau-thu-nhap-tich-18524122023240073.htm