Young center-back Ly Duc: I idolize Ramos, and I hope Coach Kim will give me a chance to prove myself.

Central defender Pham Ly Duc is in the process of integrating with the Vietnamese national team, having been unexpectedly given the opportunity by coach Kim Sang-sik to join the squad for the two matches against Cambodia (March 19) and Laos (March 25).

Pham Ly Duc's aspirations

Central defender Pham Ly Duc is a new face in the Vietnamese national team's training camp in March, as he has earned the trust of coach Kim Sang-sik despite having only played in the V-League for less than six months. At just 22 years old, his experience consists of only 16 V-League matches this season, along with winning the 2024 U.21 national championship with HAGL U.21.

"As a young player, I am very happy and excited to be included in the Vietnamese national team's training camp this time," Ly Duc shared before the training session on the afternoon of March 15. "Initially, I was a little worried, but then the senior players supported me in both daily life and training."

Central defender Pham Ly Duc

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

In the Vietnamese national team, Ly Duc shares a room with Chau Ngoc Quang, his teammate from HAGL. According to the 2003-born central defender, the players in the national team are all close and friendly. Ly Duc emphasized that wearing the national team jersey is an opportunity for him to learn from more experienced senior players.

"Everyone has different strengths. I'm a young player and I still lack a lot, so I need to learn from the other players in the team. When I feel I'm lacking something, I usually confide in the older players in the team, especially those who play in defense like Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Tien Dung...", Ly Duc emphasized.

Ly Duc has a good physique (1.82 m tall), with good jumping ability and body strength for tackling. He is a tenacious player, ready to go head-to-head with foreign players, not afraid of physical contact. His aggressiveness and energy make Ly Duc stand out from other central defenders of his age.

Despite his limitations, such as his inability to read situations and judge opponents more cunningly, his lack of experience, and his lack of composure, these are qualities that require time and experience to hone. Importantly, Ly Duc possesses ambition and a fighting spirit.

Ly Duc (left) is working hard to perfect his skills.

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

"Everyone wants to be on the national team's roster in a competitive match. As a young player, the first thing I need to do is try my best in training and show the coaches my abilities," Ly Duc assessed.

Sergio Ramos is my idol.

"My role model is center-back Sergio Ramos," Ly Duc affirmed. The HAGL center-back learned to play with passion, but still maintain composure, from his senior teammate.

According to the player born in 2003, the training regimen at the Vietnamese national team is different from that at HAGL, but he has to learn to adapt.

"The national team has a different training plan than the club, however, training is mainly up to me. I try my best to complete the exercises the coaches give me. I hope the coaches will give me a chance to play and show what I can do. If I get to play, I will try my best to perform well," Ly Duc emphasized.

"The guys on the team taught me a lot about man-marking and communication on the field. Every day on the national team is a valuable learning experience for me."

After center-back Viet Anh withdrew, the Vietnamese national team only has Duy Manh, Thanh Chung, Thanh Binh, Tien Dung, and Ly Duc left for the center-back position. Facing two weaker opponents, Cambodia (friendly, March 19) and Laos (Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, March 25), with less pressure on the defense, Ly Duc may be given a chance.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-ve-tre-ly-duc-than-tuong-ramos-mong-thay-kim-cho-co-hoi-the-hien-185250315190953786.htm