National team's top scorer, Nguyen Tien Linh, is in poor physical condition this year and is also being played in the same position as last season's V-League "Top Scorer" Rimario, preventing him from showcasing his usual qualities. Having only scored one goal so far, Tien Linh will face even fiercer competition now that Becamex Binh Duong has added Australian-born player Nicholas Olsen to their squad.

Coach Troussier gave player Quang Hai the opportunity to play the full 90 minutes. Photo: Zingnews

Striker Nguyen Van Tung, a "second Tien Linh," coach Troussier's top young hope, also faces fierce competition from the formidable attacking line of the reigning champions Hanoi FC. In the first phase, with Van Quyet suspended, Hung Dung and Xuan Tu absent, and the foreign players underperforming, Van Tung got more playing time. Unfortunately, he only managed to score one goal. On the national team, Van Tung played in both friendly matches against Hong Kong (China) and Syria. He showed energy and good positioning, creating several scoring opportunities. It's a pity the young striker born in 2001 couldn't score. His playing style clearly shows a lack of experience in a context that demands quick ball handling and the team's pace, as well as the experience of the opposing defense. Despite his potential, a player will only mature and improve after experiencing many high-level matches. Now that the key domestic players have returned, and with the impressive foreign striker Herlison Caion replacing Lucao, will Van Tung get as much playing time as he did in the first phase? Similarly, will Van Truong of Hanoi FC, Nham Manh Dung and Khuat Van Khang of Viettel FC, or Quoc Viet of Hoang Anh Gia Lai... have a chance to shine in the V-League?

Not only the young players, but even Quang Hai himself needs to rediscover his form in the V-League. He still has his old style and flair, but his accuracy and finesse have diminished. His misplaced passes and his signature left-footed curling shots now lack the feel, sending the ball over the crossbar… Coach Troussier's frank comments about Quang Hai and Cong Phuong's lack of playing time after a long period of infrequent or insufficient playing time, leading to a decline in form, were met with opportunities to be called up to the national team for testing. In reality, these players have responded to his openness to some extent. It's true that talent in football doesn't easily disappear; it's just a matter of whether the player has the passion and determination to overcome it. At Hanoi Police FC, Quang Hai has a very favorable opportunity to regain his form because the club's management not only favors him but, more importantly, believes in him.

It's not just the attack; why is Hanoi FC targeting a new South Korean center-back when they already have one of the most solid defenses with Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, and Viet Anh? They need to strengthen their defense and increase competition. Similarly, for Hanoi Police to balance both attack and defense, the goalkeeper position needs to be more reliable. Hanoi Police's ambition to compete for the championship and perform well in continental competitions next season requires unprecedented investment and upgrades. Therefore, goalkeeper Filip Nguyen joining Hanoi Police means the future of the current number one goalkeeper of the Vietnamese national team, Dang Van Lam, is also facing a major challenge.

The more competitive the V-League becomes, the more challenges there will be for national team players and stars. And that's an opportunity for them to develop when they are dedicated and give their all.

THUONG NGUYEN