Overseas Vietnamese midfielder Julien Nguyen: 'I learned a lot when competing with U.19 Real Madrid'

Five months of training in Spain helped Vietnamese-American midfielder Julien Nguyen (19 years old) mature. He always waits for the day he gets Vietnamese citizenship to contribute to his homeland.

Among the Vietnamese players playing in Europe, Julien Nguyen is the most notable name. The player born in 2006 is currently playing for U.19 Fuenlabrada to participate in U.19 Juvenil de Honor (Spain).

U.19 Juvenil de Honor is the most professional tournament for U.19s in Spain, with the participation of many prestigious youth teams such as U.19 Real Madrid, U.19 Barcelona or U.19 Atletico Madrid.

Born and raised in Canada, but in 2023, at the age of 17, Julien Nguyen decided to move to Spain to start a career. After 2 years, the Vietnamese-American midfielder has established a solid position. In an exclusive interview with Thanh Nien Newspaper, Julien Nguyen recounted the story of his first days in football, along with his desire to play for the Vietnamese national team in the World Cup.

Overseas Vietnamese Julien Nguyen is playing in Spain.

PHOTO: NVCC

Julien Nguyen: 'The experience of facing Real Madrid is unbelievable'

- After days of traveling and experiencing, what is your feeling about Vietnam? Is it similar to what you imagined about your parents' homeland before returning?

This is my first time in Vietnam. My family and I have been to Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Da Nang and then returned to Ho Chi Minh City. I am a little regretful because I did not have time to visit Hanoi , as my time here is limited. Next time when I return to Vietnam and have more time, I will go to the capital.

On the journey my father and I have traveled, I feel that Vietnam is a beautiful country. People are very friendly, always open to help and friendly. I will always remember the time here. Everything is wonderful.

- How did your path to football begin?

I was born and raised in Canada. My journey with soccer started at the age of 9, when I joined a local team. Before that, the first "soccer field" in my childhood memories was the garden at home, when I played soccer with my father and younger brother.

I was lucky to discover my passion for football very early. I was determined to play football because every time I stepped on the field, I felt happy.

My father was the one who gave wings to my football dream. He also played football in Canada, but did not pursue a professional career. However, he always supported my every decision. He was the one who encouraged me to be brave and pursue my passion. Thanks to him, Julien Nguyen is who he is today.

- Why did you choose to play in Spain, and why the Rayo Vallecano youth team?

When I moved to Spain to train and compete in 2023, I was only 17 years old, mature enough to feel the difference in language and weather here compared to Canada.

However, I was not worried. I just thought it was the right thing to do, it was a challenge to push me closer to the path of professional football. The reason I came to Spain was that simple.

Things were tough in Vallecano. I had to adapt from scratch, as the environment was very different from what I had experienced in Canada. Being away from my family at such a young age was not easy either. But I understood that to achieve my goals, I had to make sacrifices.

Julien Nguyen (second from left, top row) in the U.19 Fuenlabrada jersey

PHOTO: NVCC

- Talents in Spain are trained here at a very young age, even 6 to 8 years old. You came to Spain at 17 years old, was that too late?

I anticipate the challenge of competing in a top environment like Spain. There is a big difference between Canadian and Spanish soccer. In Canada, players often start their careers late, whereas in Spain, kids start playing soccer at the age of 6 or 7.

Before coming to Spain, I also understood that the players' tactics and playing style there were very different from Canada. However, during the 8 years of training in Canada, I learned basic skills, took my first steps, and was taught a comprehensive view of football. I am always grateful for the years of training here.

- After 2 years playing in the youth teams of Vallecano and Fuenlabrada, what did you learn?

Spanish football is much more developed than Canadian football. Until now, Canada is just gradually building its football foundation, while Spain is already a leading force in world football. The technical and tactical qualities of Spanish players are too good, especially in terms of tactics and positional thinking.

At Vallecano and Fuenlabrada, I was trained very well in positional thinking, moving into the "hot spots", and controlling the tempo of the game. My footballing thinking has changed since coming to Spain, especially when I play as a midfielder, a position that requires good vision.

- In the U.19 Fuenlabrada shirt, you faced U.19 Real Madrid and U.19 Atletico Madrid. Was it an interesting experience?

It was crazy, really, like a dream. I was proud to have played against the best youth teams in the world. I was a starter, and played 65-70 minutes in every game. I was happy that my parents were there to support me during those games.

However, every match is very difficult. The intensity of the game is very high, the opponents all have very good football skills. They are on a completely different level, from the way they touch the ball, pass the ball or think about how to orient the play. They always calculate every move carefully. Against U.19 Real Madrid, for example, if you are careless for a split second and do not block, they will immediately approach to take the ball from your feet. Every match is difficult, but I am very happy because I learn a lot from the best young players in Spain.

Julien Nguyen (blue shirt) faces U.19 Real Madrid

PHOTO: NVCC

Idol De Bruyne and De Jong

- Why did you choose to develop yourself in the midfield position, which requires many qualities and is extremely competitive in Spain?

I love playing in midfield, I love the feeling of having constant touches on the ball, being able to control the tempo of the game. I like to distribute the ball and develop the play for my teammates.

The battle in the midfield is not purely about height, but also includes endurance, physical strength, and the ability to move, coordinate, and deploy the ball. I do not have impressive speed, nor do I have superior strength. However, I have observation, analytical ability, and tactical thinking. So playing in midfield is the most suitable.

- Do you idolize "midfield conductors" like Luka Modric, Andres Iniesta or Kevin de Bruyne?

I have studied the way many central midfielders play. For me, Kevin de Bruyne has always been a role model. For me, De Bruyne is the best midfielder in the world. The way he controls the rhythm of play and passes the ball for Man City is something that not everyone can do. I cannot take my eyes off De Bruyne when I watch him play.

I also like Frenkie de Jong. He has good technique, good feet and is flexible to control the ball.

'Hope to wear the Vietnam national team jersey'

- During your childhood, what was your impression of Vietnam?

Since I was a child, I have always wanted to return to Vietnam, to return to my roots. I am aware that Vietnamese blood flows in my veins. My parents are both Vietnamese, so every day, my family always tells me stories about Vietnam. About the beautiful, hospitable and loving country. I have loved Vietnam since I was a child, and now that I have set foot on my roots, I feel even more attached to this place.

- In the future, do you want to return to Vietnam, or do you still want to try your hand in Spain?

I am not the type of person who thinks too much about the future. Maybe in the coming years, I will return to Vietnam to play in the V-League if invited. Anything can happen. However, at the moment, I want to enjoy every moment of my adventure. I will always consider all options. Returning to Vietnam is a very interesting choice, maybe one day I will return. Soon!

Julien Nguyen played 70 minutes in the match against U.19 Atletico Madrid

PHOTO: NVCC

- One of the difficulties that overseas Vietnamese talents face when returning home is that they cannot adapt to the hot weather, cuisine and culture here. Are you worried about returning?

I came to Spain at the age of 17, where the climate and cuisine are very different from Canada, where I was born. I have adapted to life in Spain, so I can integrate into Vietnam.

In Spain, the weather is quite hot, similar to Vietnam. I understand that I have to prepare well to face the tropical heat. As for food, don't worry. At home, my parents often cook Vietnamese food for me. I am confident that I can adapt, it is just a matter of time.

- How do you rate the level of the Vietnamese team?

I have not had the opportunity to watch all the Vietnamese football matches due to the time zone difference between the two countries. However, I know that the Vietnamese team is strong and has many very good players. They are really good. My family and I also watched the match between U.23 Vietnam and U.23 Indonesia in the final of U.23 Southeast Asia. It was very impressive. I want to understand more about Vietnamese football.

- What are your plans for the Vietnam national team or U.23 Vietnam in the future, if called up?

If I have Vietnamese nationality, I hope to one day wear the Vietnamese national team jersey to play in the Asian Cup and World Cup. I hope to be noticed by all levels of the Vietnamese national team.

Now, I have just got Canadian citizenship. I am also promoting the process of getting Vietnamese citizenship from my family. In the coming time, I hope everything will be favorable so that I can soon return to serve my homeland.

I can understand basic Vietnamese, because in my family, everyone often speaks Vietnamese to each other. I still try to improve my Vietnamese every day. I believe I have good foreign language skills, as I can speak English, French and Spanish. I will learn and wait for the opportunity.

Thanks for the chat!

Julien Nguyen was born in 2006 in Canada, with both parents being Vietnamese. He is currently playing for the U.19 Fuenlabrada team in the U.19 Juvenil de Honor tournament. This is the highest level of Spanish youth football at the U.19 level. Julien Nguyen became the first Vietnamese-American player to establish himself in the Spanish youth league, when he continuously played for the Rayo Vallecano and Fuenlabrada youth teams.

Julien Nguyen's chance came 3 years ago, when a member of La Masia Academy (Barcelona) came to Canada to study and met Julien. He was impressed with Julien's football skills and believed he was suitable for Spanish football. Julien then went to Europe and made "lightning-fast" progress when he got a starting position in the Spanish U.19 tournament.

The family is currently working hard to complete the procedures for Julien Nguyen to obtain Vietnamese citizenship and have the opportunity to play for the youth team. Sharing with Thanh Nien Newspaper, Julien's father confirmed that he has submitted the necessary documents and is waiting for the next steps.

Sharing with Thanh Nien Newspaper, Coach Kim Sang-sik confirmed that he is paying attention to the case of young Vietnamese overseas talents (including Julien) and will consider calling them up in the near future, once the players have citizenship. Currently, Julien Nguyen is practicing at Becamex Ho Chi Minh City Club before returning to Canada.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tien-ve-viet-kieu-julien-nguyen-toi-hoc-duoc-nhieu-khi-so-tai-u19-real-madrid-185250803211849545.htm