VFF: Using naturalized players requires caution.

Nguyen Xuan Son's success opens up new avenues for Vietnamese football in strengthening the national team. In fact, the use of 100% naturalized players in Vietnamese clubs and the national team has occurred before, generating much debate. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has maintained its stance of focusing on developing local resources and avoiding the mass use of naturalized players.

"The trend of increasing the use of naturalized players is strongly evident in both Europe and Asia, contributing to strengthening national teams. However, this is being carefully considered to ensure that national identity is preserved while maximizing collective strength to achieve greater goals."

"The use of naturalized players in the national team not only complies with FIFA regulations but is also based on the player's wishes and suitability to professional and cultural criteria," the VFF website quoted President Tran Quoc Tuan as saying.

Nguyen Xuan Son achieved great success in his first tournament wearing the Vietnamese national team jersey.

At the 2024 AFF Cup, the Vietnamese national team won the championship thanks to the significant contribution of Nguyen Xuan Son. The striker, born in 1997, only became a Vietnamese citizen last September and was only eligible to play for the national team in December (according to FIFA's residency regulations). After just four appearances, Xuan Son scored seven goals and won the top scorer and best player awards of the tournament.

Besides Xuan Son, who is a 100% naturalized player, the Vietnamese national team also has Nguyen Filip, a Vietnamese expatriate who returned from Europe to contribute to his homeland. Compared to regional rivals, the Vietnamese national team utilizes fewer resources from abroad (including players with and without native Vietnamese ancestry).

The achievements of Vietnamese football in recent years bear the strong imprint of the youth training program that was intensified in the past. The VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) has always prioritized the development of youth football in its efforts to elevate the Vietnamese national team and build a sustainable football foundation.

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan emphasized that "with strong investment efforts and the right strategy, Vietnamese youth football has not only created a solid foundation but also ensured stability and long-term development for the national team in the future."

Xiao Ming

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/vff-su-dung-cau-thu-nhap-tich-can-can-trong-ar923518.html