HAGL has a larger squad, but also better quality players?

The Vietnamese national team needs players like Ngoc Quang.

Of the three HAGL players included in the Vietnamese national team's March training camp, Chau Ngoc Quang stands out the most.

Ngoc Quang was once considered a "latecomer," as he wasn't as prominent as other players from the 1995-1996 HAGL generation like Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Van Toan, Van Thanh, or Tuan Anh. He struggled to find a place in the HAGL first team, even moving to Hai Phong to find opportunities, before returning to HAGL to prove himself.

Chau Ngoc Quang (number 8) was selected for his diligence and enthusiasm.

Until 2022, at the age of 26, Ngoc Quang had only had two seasons playing 20 or more matches in the V-League. The midfielder, born in 1996, isn't particularly outstanding in dribbling, long-range shooting, or ball control. However, Ngoc Quang's greatest strength lies in his diligence. He runs and runs constantly, readily engaging in one-on-one challenges and pressing despite his modest physique, and always adheres to tactical discipline.

For coach Kim Sang-sik, that was enough. The South Korean coach always emphasized fighting spirit, diligence, and professionalism. Ngoc Quang only needed two training camps to convince Coach Kim, before playing four matches in the 2022 AFF Cup (all as a starter) and becoming a Southeast Asian champion.

In the March training camp preparing for the two matches against Cambodia (March 19, friendly) and Laos (March 25, 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers), Ngoc Quang continues to be a strong candidate for a starting spot. In the attacking midfield position, Coach Kim tends to use hardworking players to put pressure on and wear down the opponent, before bringing on creative players to make a difference.

At HAGL this season, Ngoc Quang has played 14 matches and scored 4 goals. The 29-year-old midfielder carries the burden of HAGL's midfield and has a good physical foundation to meet the demanding requirements of coach Kim.

It's difficult for Ly Duc and Bao Toan.

Ngoc Quang's rise became an example for Ly Duc and Bao Toan. It doesn't matter where you start; with effort, what's meant to be will be.

Ly Duc (left) is a promising young talent of HAGL.

However, the competition for a place among the remaining two HAGL players will be fierce. First is Bao Toan, a player who was called up to the Vietnamese national team for a trial before the 2024 AFF Cup, but failed to secure a place in the official squad.

Like Ngoc Quang, Bao Toan is hardworking, but the 2000-born midfielder's footballing intelligence and pressing skills are not on par with his seniors. Therefore, Mr. Kim did not select Bao Toan for the 2024 AFF Cup.

However, Bao Toan is versatile, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on the wing when needed. Therefore, coach Kim Sang-sik decided to give the HAGL midfielder another chance. With so many talented players in midfield, Bao Toan needs to work hard to earn a place in the starting lineup.

As for Ly Duc, coach Kim Sang-sik's selection of the 2003-born player for the Vietnamese national team was truly a breakthrough. Ly Duc had never played for the Vietnam U22 team and was also in his first season in the V-League, but he immediately proved his worth by consistently starting from the beginning of the season (playing in all 15 matches and scoring 1 goal).

Ly Duc possesses a good physique, along with a tenacious and determined playing style. However, his lack of experience becomes a weakness when competing with seasoned defensive "guards" like Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, Bui Tien Dung, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, etc.

Coach Kim Sang-sik's decision to call Ly Duc up to the national team is likely intended to allow the central defender to gain more experience before becoming the leader of the Vietnam U.22 defense in the 2026 U.23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-quan-so-hagl-dong-hon-nhung-co-chat-hon-18525030710311597.htm