Tran Thanh Trung 'walks side by side' with Vadim Nguyen to join the U.23 Vietnam team, Ly Duc rushes to the gym

Two overseas Vietnamese players, Vadim Nguyen and Tran Thanh Trung, are receiving great expectations when joining the U.23 Vietnam team, aiming for a series of friendly matches with U.23 Qatar and the goal of affirming their positions in the national youth team.

22/23 players have joined the U.23 Vietnam team

On October 4, 22/23 players on the October training list of U.23 Vietnam were present at the Youth Football Training Center. Le Viktor joined the team 1 day late due to flight problems from Ha Tinh to Hanoi . The day before, he and Hong Linh Ha Tinh drew 1-1 with PVF-CAND in round 6 of V-League 2025-2026.

List of U.23 Vietnam players this time

PHOTO: VFF

Pham Ly Duc was the first to arrive. The 22-year-old midfielder quickly went to the gym to practice while his teammates were still moving. Unlike last season when he often played for HAGL, Ly Duc now has to compete for a position with seniors such as Adou Minh, Hugo Gomes, Bui Hoang Viet Anh or Tran Dinh Trong at the Hanoi Police Club.

Ly Duc is trying his best to have a chance to be on the national team next time.

PHOTO: VFF

Ly Duc actively practices

Photo: Hanh An

Due to his lack of playing time, Ly Duc was not present in the Vietnam national team's training camp to play against Nepal on October 9 and 14. Just three months ago, the Tay Ninh native was still sent onto the field by coach Kim Sang-sik to play against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

At this time, while 8 teammates of the same age were promoted to the national team, Ly Duc was only on the list of U.23 Vietnam training on October 7 and friendly matches in Qatar (October 9 and 13). Realizing that, he actively trained to find opportunities to assert himself in the national youth team, hoping that his performance and training awareness would help him be given the opportunity to join the national team.

Opportunity for new faces

Since 8 U.23 Vietnam players were transferred to the Vietnam national team, coach Kim Sang-sik added many new faces or players who had little chance to show their skills. Among them were goalkeeper Pham Dinh Hai, central defender Dinh Quang Kiet, midfielder Tran Nam Hai, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong and especially Vadim Nguyen.

For the first time joining the U.23 Vietnam team, Vadim Nguyen experienced a feeling of both excitement and nervousness. When he saw reporters filming, he was both shy and happy because for the first time his football career received such great attention. This further motivated the Russian-born Vietnamese player to strive to prove himself under the watchful eye of acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh - the "extended arm" of coach Kim Sang-sik.

Vadim Nguyen is shy in front of the camera

In Da Nang , Vadim Nguyen was given 4/6 V-League 2025-2026 matches by Coach Le Duc Tuan. He can play as a left midfielder or a central midfielder and is highly expected. According to Coach Le Duc Tuan, Vadim Nguyen listens well, integrates well, has talent but needs more practice, especially defensive skills.

Tran Thanh Trung looks forward to his official debut with U.23 Vietnam

In addition, Tran Thanh Trung also set a goal to make an impression after the previous gathering. In this second gathering with U.23 Vietnam, the midfielder from Ninh Binh hopes to wear the red shirt for the first time in the two friendly matches with U.23 Qatar on October 9 and 13. He hopes to demonstrate the skills he has trained in the Bulgarian youth team and Slavia Sofia Club, thereby opening up the opportunity to participate in the 33rd SEA Games with U.23 Vietnam.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tran-thanh-trung-sanh-buoc-cung-vadim-nguyen-hoi-quan-u23-viet-nam-ly-duc-voi-tap-gym-1852510042101058.htm