How strong is Ninh Binh FC?

Despite being newly promoted, Ninh Binh is the most anticipated team in the V.League 2025/26 season due to its abundant financial resources and high-quality squad.

Ninh Binh FC will be an interesting dark horse in the V.League 2025/26 season. Photo: Ninh Binh FC .

Will this newcomer be able to make a leap to the top like the Hanoi Police once did?

How formidable is Ninh Binh FC?

Ninh Binh is one of two new teams joining the V.League 2025/26. Unlike PVF-CAND, this team is expected to bring more intense competition to the top positions in the upcoming season. This places Ninh Binh among the top contenders with a chance to compete for the leading spots. Looking at the team's roster, it's easy to understand why Ninh Binh is considered one of the "top tier" teams.

Following their unbeaten run in the 2024/25 First Division season, securing promotion, Ninh Binh is undergoing a squad overhaul to retain outstanding players capable of forming a solid foundation for the 2025/26 V.League season. Notable among them are goalkeeper Van Lam, defender Thanh Thinh, center-back Ngoc Bao, midfielders Ngoc Ha, Trong Long, Hoang Duc, Duc Viet, and strikers Thanh Binh and Quoc Viet…

These are mostly players who have made a huge impact not only at the club level but also with their national teams. They are all at the peak of their form, so their abilities are unquestionable.

However, Ninh Binh understands that these players alone are not enough to build a solid image in the V.League, as the level of this competition is far superior to the First Division. Therefore, this newcomer has made several notable additions.

HAGL's players are sourced from Ninh Binh's recruitment efforts to strengthen their squad. Versatile player Dung Quang Nho, midfielders Bao Toan and Ngoc Quang were key players for the team from Pleiku last season and made a strong impression professionally.

Ninh Binh FC has made some notable additions to its squad. Photo: Ninh Binh FC .

The most notable signing for the team in the recent transfer window is midfielder Duc Chien. This former The Cong Viettel player can effectively play both midfield and center-back positions, promising to give Ninh Binh flexibility in their tactical approach when changing tactics without losing their substitution rights.

Ninh Binh's domestic players are of decent quality. However, to become a major force, the team still needs to see the performance of its foreign players and coach.

The foreign player mystery

In terms of players, center-back Janclesio has proven his ability in the V.League over the past several seasons. However, the unknown factor lies with the new foreign players.

First up is Morales Alonso Victor. This foreign player, a Spanish national, recently played for Terrassa FC in the Spanish fourth division and can play as both a central defender and a midfielder. Forward Gustavo Henrique played for Zakho (Iraq) before joining Ninh Binh.

It's also worth noting that this Brazilian player previously played for CAHN in the 2022/23 season. In 39 appearances for Zakho, Gustavo Henrique scored 17 goals and provided 5 assists. As for striker Daniel da Silva dos Anjos, it's said he previously played for several clubs, including Benfica B.

At the end of the 2024/25 First Division season, coach Nguyen Viet Thang also parted ways with Ninh Binh. Replacing the former Vietnam national team striker was foreign coach Albadalejo Castono Gerard.

Throughout his coaching career, the Spanish coach has only managed teams in the Spanish second division. His most impressive victory came when Lleida Esportiu defeated Real Sociedad (3-2) in the Copa del Rey round of 16 in November 2017.

Investing is one thing, but the results depend on the players' performance. Photo: Ninh Binh FC .

Overall, Albadalejo Castono Gerard's resume isn't particularly impressive. However, judging the Spanish coach's tactical abilities at this point is somewhat subjective. Many coaches have shown that they can demonstrate their leadership skills if they are given the right working environment.

Overall, there are many reasons to have faith in Ninh Binh's vibrant image. Of course, betting on this team achieving immediate success like CAHN winning the V.League in their first season after promotion is perhaps overly optimistic, considering the presence of strong teams with both financial resources and personnel like Nam Dinh and CAHN.

However, if the foreign players perform well, are capable of leading the team, and coach Albadalejo Castono Gerard demonstrates tactical versatility, Ninh Binh could absolutely compete for a high ranking in the V.League 2025/26.

Source: https://znews.vn/ninh-binh-fc-manh-co-nao-post1576246.html