The 'backbone' of U.23 Vietnam revealed

U.23 Vietnam is in the process of completing the framework for SEA Games 33, where the "backbone" of the team is gradually becoming clear with talented faces.

The list of U.23 Vietnam going to China to participate in the international friendly tournament Panda Cup 2025 has 26 players, considered the best force in their age group, including names that have been promoted to the national team, because this is an important tournament in the preparation process for the goal of winning the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games taking place at the end of this year. Because coach Kim Sang-sik is busy leading the Vietnamese team to compete against Laos in the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, the U.23 team will compete under the direction of acting head coach Dinh Hong Vinh when facing Uzbekistan, South Korea and host China.

U.23 Vietnam forms a vertical axis

The 2025 Panda Cup is an opportunity for the coaching staff to continue testing personnel and tactics, thereby finalizing plans for the 33rd SEA Games. However, as the 33rd SEA Games approaches, Mr. Dinh Hong Vinh will certainly want to find a "backbone" to maintain stability in the playing style and operation of U.23 Vietnam. In the blocking position, Tran Trung Kien is superior to Nguyen Tan and Cao Van Binh. The HAGL goalkeeper has an ideal physique with a height of 1.91 m and good ability to control the penalty area. In addition, the factor that helps Trung Kien be highly appreciated is his playing experience, as this 22-year-old "goalkeeper" used to be the main goalkeeper for the national team, and also played a lot in the V-League and became a pillar of HAGL since last season.

Bui Vi Hao (right) returns to the national team after more than 7 months off due to an ankle injury.

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

In the center of defense and midfield, Nguyen Hieu Minh and Nguyen Xuan Bac are two strong candidates for the official position. During the FIFA Days last October, the two players of PVF-CAND had their first time "eating national team food". This personnel interweaving strategy is also in the calculation of the coaching staff. From the stumbles and friction in the national team environment, coach Kim Sang-sik wants to further train both Hieu Minh and Xuan Bac before returning to U.23 Vietnam. Midfielders Nguyen Van Truong and Le Viktor will also compete fiercely for the position in the midfield. As for the role of leading the attack, Nguyen Dinh Bac is the most promising name.

SOLVING THE PUBLIC PROBLEM

Through the 2025 U.23 Southeast Asian Championship (Vietnam won the championship), the 2026 U.23 Asian qualifiers and most recently the two friendly matches with U.23 Qatar in October, finishing is an issue that needs to be improved by U.23 Vietnam. Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad is considered to lack a true striker who can shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals. This is also understandable, because at their home club, young Vietnamese strikers find it difficult to compete for the striker position with foreign players or experienced seniors, so there are very few opportunities to hone their scoring instincts.

List of U.23 Vietnam

Goalkeepers: Tran Trung Kien, Nguyen Tan, Cao Van Binh.

Defenders: Vo Anh Quan, Nguyen Hieu Minh, Le Van Ha, Dang Tuan Phong, Pham Ly Duc, Nguyen Duc Anh, Dinh Quang Kiet, Nguyen Nhat Minh.

Midfielders: Le Van Thuan, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Cong Phuong, Khuat Van Khang, Pham Minh Phuc, Le Viktor, Nguyen Phi Hoang, Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong.

Forwards: Nguyen Ngoc My, Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Nguyen Dinh Bac, Bui Vi Hao.

Coach Pham Minh Duc commented: "The fact that many players scored is also a positive point when U.23 Vietnam plays a diverse attack, not depending on individuals. From there, Coach Kim Sang-sik's team will be harder for opponents to predict." According to Mr. Duc, Coach Kim will probably still maintain a flexible style in both playing style and using people like in the past. In that context, Dinh Xuan Tien is a very valuable addition to U.23 Vietnam. Xuan Tien has twice won the title of top scorer at the U.23 Southeast Asia tournament, and is showing progress in the The Cong Viettel shirt when continuously scoring goals when given the opportunity to play in the V-League. In addition, the return of Bui Vi Hao is also noteworthy. The striker from An Giang helps the Korean coach have more options in attack, especially in the role of target striker. However, Vi Hao had to rest for a long time due to injury, so many people are worried that this player will not be in the best form when he returns.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truc-xuong-song-cua-u23-viet-nam-lo-dien-185251106230517141.htm