Valuable addition helps Vietnam team become stronger in AFF Cup

Waiting for Jason Quang Vinh

Using naturalized players is an inevitable trend in many football countries around the world, in which the Southeast Asian rivals of the Vietnamese team have joined the game. Previously, the Philippines and Singapore were the countries that actively used players of foreign origin. Currently, this position belongs to Indonesia, with a series of "Indo-Vietnamese" stars playing football in Europe who have been called back to contribute to the Indonesian team.

In the two debut matches in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, coach Shin Tae-yong fielded 8 and 9 naturalized players in the matches against Saudi Arabia and Australia, respectively, helping Indonesia snatch 2 important points. Possessing good quality players, especially in the youth team, Thailand also naturalized many stars, including Patrick Gustavsson - the player who just scored against Vietnam in the friendly match on the evening of September 10 at My Dinh Stadium.

Defender Jason Pendant Quang Vinh in CAHN club jersey

The Vietnamese team has opened its arms to welcome many foreign-born players, such as Dang Van Lam (Russian) and Nguyen Filip (Czech).

Nguyen Filip's naturalization case is quite interesting. The 32-year-old goalkeeper joined the Hanoi Police Club (CAHN Club) in mid-2023. After half a year, he completed the naturalization procedure to play for the Vietnam national team. One of the prerequisites was that Nguyen Filip decided to return to Vietnam to play. With the support of the procedures, as well as the sincere desire to contribute to his homeland, the goalkeeper born in 1992 has obtained citizenship.

This is the path Jason Pendant Quang Vinh is taking. The defender born in 1997 has returned to Vietnam to play with a contract signed with CAHN Club since August 2. Jason Pendant Quang Vinh has a Vietnamese mother, and spent most of his previous career playing for Sochaux Club (France) in Ligue 2. Jason used to play for the French U.16 and U.18 teams, but has not played for the French national team. He is eligible to play for the national team, just needs to complete the naturalization procedure.

Overseas Vietnamese resources will help the Vietnamese team become stronger

Currently, the naturalization procedure for Jason Pendant Quang Vinh is being prepared. The leader of CAHN Club shared: "CAHN Club will create all conditions for Jason Quang Vinh to develop his talent, as well as support him as much as possible so that he can soon obtain Vietnamese nationality and wear the national team jersey. That is the wish of the leadership of CAHN Club as well as Vietnamese fans, when the team has another quality player".

If he is naturalized in time for the AFF Cup 2024, Jason Pendant Quang Vinh will bring quality to the left wing, which is currently lacking quality options in the Vietnam national team.

Open the door

Besides Jason Pendant Quang Vinh, striker Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) is also being pushed to naturalize. The Nam Dinh striker has played in Vietnam for 5 years (6 seasons).

Last season, Nguyen Xuan Son scored 31 goals in 24 matches, helping the team from Thanh Nam reach the top of the V-League. This season, he is still playing very well when he scored against Thanh Hoa in the 2023 National Super Cup, before scoring against Lee Man, helping Nam Dinh win the opening match of the AFC Champions League 2.

If he completes the naturalization procedure before the 2024 AFF Cup, Nguyen Xuan Son is eligible to play for the Vietnamese national team.

Nguyen Xuan Son scores regularly

Despite having Tien Linh, who has scored 3 goals in 4 matches under coach Kim Sang-sik, the Vietnamese team needs another quality "gun" to solve the problem of scoring goals. Besides his skillful finishing skills, Nguyen Xuan Son will bring his ability to compete, fighting spirit and strength, as well as understanding of Vietnamese players after 5 years of dedication here.

In addition, there are overseas Vietnamese stars playing for V-League teams. Center-back Kyle Colonna (of Vietnamese and American descent) played a good role in his debut match against Hanoi FC, helping his team win 1-0, and was highly appreciated for his expertise and ability to integrate. French-Vietnamese center-back Adou Minh scored the only goal, bringing Ha Tinh a "precious as gold" 1-0 victory over Nam Dinh.

The regulation allowing each team to use a maximum of 2 overseas Vietnamese players will pave the way for many players to return home to contribute. And when these players complete the naturalization procedure, Mr. Kim Sang-sik will have more resources to shape the squad, instead of just relying on the old framework.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bo-sung-dang-gia-giup-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-manh-hon-o-aff-cup-185240920153631304.htm