Controversy when Xuan Son was called back to the Vietnam national team

Coach Kim Sang Sik is planning to call Nguyen Xuan Son back to the Vietnam team at this time, even though he doesn't know if his student can play or not.

Xuan Son has only played a club friendly match and has not played any official match since his injury - Photo: NAM DINH CLUB

Coach Kim Sang Sik has included Nguyen Xuan Son in the list of 26 players who will join the Vietnam national team in November to prepare for the rematch against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. This list was announced by the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on the afternoon of November 6.

Here, the problem arises when Xuan Son has just recovered from injury, has only played a friendly match and has not yet participated in any official match of Nam Dinh Club. If Xuan Son is allowed to play, even for a limited time in the match against Laos, the Vietnam team will face two problems.

Mr. Kim Sang Sik's controversial decision to call Nguyen Xuan Son up to the national team

Firstly, Xuan Son is not sure if he can guarantee his professional skills, because 10 months of not playing can take away many valuable qualities that made this striker famous.

Even if his physique and condition allow, it is not certain that he can handle the ball, coordinate, and finish... as well as before the injury. If he does not play as expected, Xuan Son can affect the tactical calculations of the Vietnamese team, and furthermore, the situation of the match.

Second, Xuan Son, Nam Dinh Club and the Vietnam national team must accept the risk of the player re-injuring if Mr. Kim Sang Sik lets him play early. If damage occurs, such as an unfortunate collision, Xuan Son will need more time to recover.

Without Xuan Son playing, the Vietnamese team can completely defeat Laos with their own strength. The first leg of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Binh Duong Stadium is an example, coach Kim Sang Sik's students won the opponent team 5-0.

Rushing into competition as soon as you recover is not recommended for sports injuries. Xuan Son needs time to adapt to the increased intensity of competition, and should start with less intense matches at club level.

Xuan Son is ready, but coach Kim is not sure if he will let him play - Photo: FBNV

Good move by Mr. Kim

Before deciding whether to let Xuan Son play or not, coach Kim Sang Sik will have a few days to check the player's physical condition and form. Whatever the decision, the fact that Mr. Kim called Xuan Son back also shows a certain calculation in terms of... spiritual value.

In the context of Vietnam's stalemate in the two matches against Nepal, the team's attack needs a boost of motivation. Xuan Son's presence can bring inspiration and boost the competitiveness of Tuan Hai and Tien Linh, who have not performed well recently.

Xuan Son's presence will also help the Vietnamese team regain the attention of a large number of fans, as he did at the ASEAN Cup 2024. By training with his teammates, Son can also regain his confidence after a long absence.

It is not known whether Xuan Son can play or not, but the fact that he was called back to the national team is already a good move by coach Kim Sang Sik.

Sharing on his personal page on the evening of November 6, Xuan Son said : "Proud and happy to be back in this shirt. Forever a love."
Below Xuan Son's post, many Vietnamese teammates congratulated and jokingly joked with the naturalized player born in 1997.

NGOC LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tranh-cai-khi-xuan-son-duoc-goi-tro-lai-tuyen-viet-nam-20251106191858455.htm