U.23 Vietnam received good news from Dinh Bac
On the evening of November 28, Dinh Bac marked one of the most memorable milestones of his career. In the 90+1 minute, the striker born in 2004 rushed into the penalty area, received a pass from his teammate and shot close to the goal, helping the CAHN club complete a comeback with a score of 2-1.
The precious goal that helped CAHN Club pass the group stage (in their first time entering the AFC Champions League 2) was scored by one of the two youngest players on the field.
Along with Minh Phuc (also born in 2004), Dinh Bac is the embodiment of a new generation, not only of CAHN Club, but also of Vietnamese football which is "thirsty" for talent to build the next generation.
The North Temple shines
PHOTO: MINH TU
To become the hero of CAHN Club in the Asian playground, Dinh Bac had to go through 2 turbulent years. The Nghe An striker joined the national team at the age of 19, creating a fever when he tore the net of the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, then scored a header against Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup. Dinh Bac rose to take a place in the national team, but then quickly declined after coach Philippe Troussier left in March 2024. Coach Kim Sang-sik took over, prioritizing the use of veterans for the attack. Dinh Bac had no place.
However, in a year to forget for Coach Troussier, there was still one decision that was definitely correct, which was choosing to bet on Dinh Bac. The striker born in 2004, although going through a down period when losing his position in the national team and leaving a bad reputation in the Quang Nam team, but in the end, he still proved that "real gold" is not afraid of fire.
Moving to CAHN Club, where there are many stars, Dinh Bac sat on the bench in the early stages. However, step by step, thanks to his efforts on the field, the former Quang Nam striker conquered coach Alexandre Polking.
This season, Dinh Bac played 17 matches, including 9 V-League matches, 1 Super Cup match, 2 ASEAN Club Championship matches and 5 matches in AFC Champions League 2. The 2004 striker's number of matches played is more than any U.23 player, even more than most national team players.
Quantity also comes with quality, as evidenced by the goal that helped CAHN Club reverse the score against Beijing Club. Before that, Dinh Bac, although he had not scored regularly, was no longer the dribbling and ineffective player like when he first came to CAHN Club. He handled things more wisely and neatly, as shown by the blocking, passing, and coordination last night.
Dinh Bac is progressing
PHOTO: MINH TU
In the versatile attacking system, Coach Polking requires his players to "minimize" the handling, emphasizing efficiency and teamwork. Dinh Bac used to have a hard time getting a foothold because his playing style was too egotistical (a strength, but also a weakness). Now, the ego is still there, but when dribbling is exchanged for a smarter way of thinking, a new version of Dinh Bac has emerged.
Leading the attack
Dinh Bac's position in U.23 Vietnam has been affirmed with the title of best player of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament, where the 21-year-old striker scored 2 goals.
Coach Kim Sang-sik clearly understands the value of an all-round player who possesses both physical stature (1.8 m), technical qualities, finishing ability and the necessary "arrogance" of a striker who can lead the way.
A leader needs to be cool and alert to carry his teammates, but also needs... the right individual at the right time to create a breakthrough. The problem is choosing the right time. Dinh Bac has both and is on the way to finding a breakthrough in thinking to choose the right one.
At the 33rd SEA Games (followed by the 2026 U.23 Asian Cup), U.23 Vietnam will not have Van Truong. The midfielder born in 2003 will be absent for the entire 2025-2026 season to treat a ligament injury. Vi Hao has just returned after many months of injury. Meanwhile, Van Thuan, Ngoc My, Cong Phuong... are just preparing to enter the first major tournament of their lives.
The role of a player with "talent beyond age" like Dinh Bac is even more important in helping coach Kim Sang-sik shape the attack. The question is already there, the 21-year-old striker will start looking for the answer from now on.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/u23-viet-nam-tim-duoc-thu-linh-hang-cong-nguoi-ong-kim-chon-mat-gui-vang-la-185251128102405021.htm
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