Coach Troussier did not call up Vu Van Thanh for a long time, before calling him back in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. Van Thanh even started in two consecutive matches against the Philippines and Iraq.
While fans are still arguing about coach Troussier's use of players in the Vietnam national team, about the question of how to be considered "meeting the conditions", Vu Van Thanh can be the address to find the answer.
The reason why coach Troussier rarely experiments with Van Thanh
Before competing in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, Van Thanh was not called up to the Vietnamese national team for 5 months. He only played one half in the friendly matches of the Vietnamese national team.
Van Thanh went through a long period of not playing for the Vietnamese national team under Mr. Troussier. (Photo: Minh Anh)
However, Mr. Troussier's right wing options such as Truong Tien Anh and Ho Van Cuong have not met expectations. Meanwhile, Van Thanh's performance at the beginning of the season was very good. The French coach has begun to pay attention again to the versatile player of the Hanoi Police Club.
According to VTC News, the reason Coach Troussier did not prioritize Van Thanh in the early stages was because his playing style at the Hanoi Police Club was different from what he wanted for a full-back. In fact, the Hanoi Police Club used Ho Tan Tai in this position, not Van Thanh.
Coach Troussier decided to meet the former HAGL player in person before making a selection for the Vietnam national team's most important squad. The French coach went directly to the training ground of the Hanoi Police Club in Hung Yen and asked Coach Tran Tien Dai (who was still in charge at the time) to meet Van Thanh privately.
Completely surprised and unprepared, Van Thanh still convinced coach Troussier with what was available from his own personality.
Van Thanh played well in the match against Iraq. (Photo: Kim Chi)
Returning to the Vietnam team thanks to... his eyes
One of the testing questions that coach Troussier asked Van Thanh was what lessons he learned during the June training session and whether he was ready to adjust to the requirements.
Van Thanh understood all of Mr. Troussier's English words without needing an interpreter. A member of the Vietnamese team recalled that Mr. Troussier was particularly impressed with the concise, confident way he answered and especially the straight eyes, clearly showing the determination and desire of the Hanoi Police Club player.
Van Thanh's good form at Hanoi Police Club combined with his progressive attitude and determination helped him regain his position in the Vietnam national team. (Photo: Kim Chi)
" Okay, you're on the Vietnam team," Coach Troussier concluded his conversation with Van Thanh.
Van Thanh returned to the Vietnam national team and immediately regained his starting position. The preferred option in the friendly matches was Truong Tien Anh being eliminated early.
Van Thanh's performance has only stopped at average. However, his stable professional quality combined with his determined attitude and willingness to improve himself are enough for the former HAGL player to gain more trust from the coach.
This is also one of the examples of Coach Troussier's view of the players. The French coach has repeatedly emphasized this. They are not used at a time does not mean that the door to the Vietnam national team, or to the main squad is completely closed.
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