From 'king of youth tournaments' to new hope for Vietnam national team's attack

Being called up to the Vietnam national team by coach Kim Sang-sik to replace his senior Cong Phuong is not only a reward for striker Nguyen Quoc Viet’s efforts. This is also a major turning point in the 2003-born striker’s journey of growth, from a young talent to the next generation of Vietnamese football.

First time on the Vietnamese national team

After the announcement of Cong Phuong's injury relapse on June 2, coach Kim Sang-sik made a decision that was considered quite surprising, when he called up striker Nguyen Quoc Viet born in 2002 (currently playing for Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club) in the first division) to the Vietnam national team. Although only 22 years old, Quoc Viet is a familiar name to fans following youth-level tournaments of Vietnamese football. The player who grew up from Nutifood JMG Academy has won many top scorer titles, as well as championships at the U.17, U.19 and U.21 levels. Therefore, he is known by the nickname "king of youth tournaments".

This is the first time Nguyen Quoc Viet has participated in the Vietnam national team. This will be a golden opportunity for the striker born in 2003 to learn and gain experience from his senior players and from coach Kim Sang-sik himself. Being called to replace Cong Phuong proves that Quoc Viet has been somewhat noticed by Mr. Kim. Therefore, the former HAGL striker needs to prove his ability this time, so that he will not be able to play immediately, but the door will be wider open in the future.

Quoc Viet (19) is an outstanding striker in the youth teams.

PHOTO: NGOC DUONG

Take the opportunity to become the next generation

Nguyen Quoc Viet does not possess an outstanding physique (1.73 m), but he is a fast striker, moves intelligently, handles well in narrow spaces and is very sharp in the penalty area. Playing for Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club in the first division, he scored 5 goals in 18 appearances.

Possessing a natural goal-scoring instinct and a strong mentality, Quoc Viet has repeatedly “saved” the youth teams he has played for, at crucial moments. However, the Vietnam national team is a different stage, one that requires comprehensiveness, the ability to withstand great pressure… and a higher level. Therefore, Quoc Viet needs to take advantage of every training session, every minute of playing for the Vietnam national team to score points with the coaching staff. Because the competition in the national team is always fierce.

Quoc Viet used to play for HAGL, before moving to Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club in the first division.

PHOTO: MINH TRAN

The Vietnamese team has now entered a period of generational transition, especially in the attack line, where the famous faces are showing signs of slowing down. The appearance of Quoc Viet is not only to fill the gap caused by the injury of his seniors, but also could be a new direction for the Vietnamese team in the near future, which is to create more opportunities for young players.

Quoc Viet has come a long way to be in the Vietnam national team, from "king of the youth tournament" to a new hope in the attack line under coach Kim Sang-sik. In the match against Malaysia on June 10, whether Quoc Viet plays or not, being in the Vietnam national team this time is a memorable milestone in the career of the striker born in 2003.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tu-vua-giai-tre-den-niem-ky-vong-moi-tren-hang-cong-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-185250605154309951.htm