Unexpected ticket and opportunity to step into the light of the rising star of U.23 Vietnam

Striker Thanh Nhan's injury caused U.23 Vietnam to suffer a loss right before the G-hour at the 2025 U.23 Southeast Asian tournament. However, a door has opened for the brightest rising star of last season's V-League, midfielder Le Van Thuan, to return with the opportunity to prove himself.

A surprising "comeback"

The news that striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan suffered an ankle ligament injury during the training session on the evening of July 16 in Indonesia made fans and the coaching staff of U.23 Vietnam regretful. The fact that the striker born in 2003 was forced to say goodbye to the tournament right before the opening match was a great loss for coach Kim Sang-sik's team. However, when one door closed, another one opened. The Korean coach immediately summoned midfielder Le Van Thuan, who was called up but could not stay on the official list of U.23 Vietnam to Indonesia.

The fact that Van Thuan was called up as an urgent solution to replace Thanh Nhan was somewhat surprising, but completely deserved if looking at what this player born in 2006 has shown in the Thanh Hoa Club shirt. Only 19 years old, Van Thuan has had an impressive season in the V-League 2024 - 2025. He played 15 matches for the Thanh team, contributing 2 goals and many assists for his teammates to score. With his ability to hold the ball firmly, modern tactical thinking and good technical foundation, Van Thuan was honored as "Best Young Player of V-League".

To defend the throne, what problem do U.23 Vietnam and coach Kim Sang-sik need to solve?

Opportunity to assert

The return of Van Thuan at this time could be a turning point for the young player from Thanh Hoa. From being considered an "outsider", he is now facing a great opportunity to prove his worth in the international arena.

Midfielder Le Van Thuan (left) received a "ticket" to return to U.23 Vietnam at the last minute, after the injury of striker Nguyen Thanh Nhan.

PHOTO: VFF

Unlike Thanh Nhan, a fast striker with a penchant for penetrating the penalty area, Van Thuan is a modern central midfielder. He is capable of playing wide, supporting the defense and participating in the attack. Choosing a versatile midfielder instead of a pure striker to replace Thanh Nhan is a sign that coach Kim Sang‑sik prioritizes controlling the midfield and creating breakthroughs from the second line. In the Korean coach's tactical scheme, Van Thuan can completely become a new and effective "piece", especially when it comes to increasing creativity from the midfield.

However, the most important thing for Van Thuan at this time is to seize the opportunity. In the tournament where U.23 Vietnam aims to defend the title, every position must be fiercely competed for. Being called up does not mean being sure of a place on the field. Van Thuan needs to show quick integration, a fiery fighting spirit and the ability to adapt to the tactical requirements of the coaching staff.

If he is put on the field and shows the qualities that helped him shine in the V-League, Van Thuan can completely compete for the official position with the more experienced "seniors" in the U.23 Vietnam team at this time. From a name that seemed to be no longer in the plan, Le Van Thuan is now standing at an important threshold. The opportunity has come unexpectedly, and everything is now in the hands of this 19-year-old midfielder.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tam-ve-bat-ngo-va-co-hoi-buoc-ra-anh-sang-cua-sao-mai-u23-viet-nam-185250718102025068.htm