The responsibility lies on Hoang Duc's shoulders.

The mainstay of the Vietnamese team

Since the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Hoang Duc has always been the most important player, contributing a lot to the Vietnam team. The clearest evidence is that he won 2 Vietnam Golden Ball titles in 2021 and 2023. This time, at the 2024 AFF Cup, the role of the midfielder from Hai Duong is much more important.

Without Hung Dung, Hoang Duc has become the most experienced central midfielder in the Vietnam national team with 39 appearances for the red and yellow shirt. Based on his class, form and experience, he is almost certain to secure a starting position at the AFF Cup 2024.

Hoang Duc has performed well under coach Kim Sang-sik and needs to maintain that at the AFF Cup 2024.

In the journey to reclaim the Southeast Asian throne, the Vietnamese team needs Hoang Duc to shine. Previously, he was paired with experienced midfielders like Hung Dung and Tuan Anh. But now, he is surrounded by Van Truong, Hai Long, Thanh Long, Thai Son and Doan Ngoc Tan. All are new faces.

Van Truong and Thai Son have been given some opportunities by coach Kim Sang-sik, but they are still young players and have not shown any impressive results. Ngoc Tan has just been called up to the national team for the first time, while Hai Long has recently often played on the wing at Hanoi FC. Thanh Long is a trustworthy name, second only to Hoang Duc, but this player also has some limitations in terms of physique and ability to compete one-on-one... These weaknesses were somewhat exposed in the 2023 Asian Cup and the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Therefore, in addition to maintaining good form himself, Hoang Duc also has the task of "guiding" his partner. Only then can the Vietnamese team control the midfield well, the key to victory.

Many people may think of the option of Quang Hai playing as a central midfielder with Hoang Duc. However, with such an arrangement, the Vietnamese team will lose their ability to "fight" in the midfield area. This is extremely dangerous. In addition, Quang Hai also plays better when operating near the opponent's penalty area.

Waiting for the connection Hoang Duc - Tien Linh

The "backbone" of the Vietnamese team is gradually taking shape. Under the goal, coach Kim Sang-sik has Nguyen Filip. The central defenders could be Nguyen Thanh Binh, Nguyen Thanh Chung or Bui Hoang Viet Anh. Up front, there are Hoang Duc and Tien Linh. These are also the two players with the best form of the Vietnamese team at the moment.

In the V-League, Tien Linh scored 7 goals, 1 assist and led the list of top scorers. In the first division, Hoang Duc had 2 goals, 2 assists and many passes creating opportunities for his teammates. This midfielder contributed greatly to the process of Ninh Binh Club conquering the top spot. Therefore, fans are waiting for Hoang Duc and Tien Linh to find a connection in the AFF Cup 2024.

Hoang Duc and Tien Linh are both in good form.

Most likely, these two players will play very close together, with many opportunities to coordinate. In case coach Kim Sang-sik uses a 3-5-2 formation, Hoang Duc will most likely be pushed up, playing as an attacking midfielder, behind the 2 strikers (Tien Linh and Vi Hao/another striker). If the Korean strategist plays 3-4-3, Tien Linh will probably drop deep to create a connection with the midfield, stretching the opponent's defense, opening up space for the 2 fast wingers (possibly Tuan Hai, Van Toan or) Vi Hao to rush forward.

Tien Linh and Hoang Duc may not "find each other" directly, but they can create a dangerous attacking triangle with another player. Remember the 3-2 victory of the Vietnamese team against the Philippines. Hoang Duc had a smart pass for Van Toan to run down and then cross for Tien Linh to equalize 1-1. This could be an effective attacking option for the Vietnamese team in the upcoming tournament.

Tien Linh and Hoang Duc are very close friends in real life. They attended the 2017 U.20 World Cup together, tasted glory at the 30th and 31st SEA Games, and have been playing for the Vietnamese national team for the past few years. This is also a necessary "glue" for them to be able to explode together on the field.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-trong-trach-dat-tren-vai-hoang-duc-18524112815310017.htm