POTENTIAL FACES
The Vietnamese national team has welcomed overseas Vietnamese players since a decade ago, a typical example being goalkeeper Dang Van Lam (who has Vietnamese and Russian blood). Then, it was goalkeeper Nguyen Filip's turn to have Vietnamese nationality and be called up. Both of them not only brought solidity in the goal thanks to their thorough training and playing abroad, but also became models of professionalism and seriousness. During the 2017-2018 period, goalkeeper Van Lam took a taxi nearly 100 km every day from Hai Phong to Hanoi to "study" with coach Jason Brown (who used to work at the PVF Center). He also hired a personal fitness coach to maintain his figure and form. When Van Lam was playing for Thailand's Muangthong United Club (2019 season), goalkeeper coach Marquinhos Goleiros affirmed that Lam was one of the most talented and dedicated goalkeepers he had ever worked with. Or goalkeeper Nguyen Filip also practices hard and becomes an example for many teammates.
That is the boost that overseas Vietnamese players can bring, besides the purely professional aspect. However, unlike the Vietnam national team, youth teams such as U.22, U.20 and U.17 Vietnam still do not have many overseas Vietnamese players.
Viktor Le (left) in Ha Tinh Club jersey
When coach Philippe Troussier led the U.22 Vietnam team, midfielder Andrej Nguyen An Khanh was a rare overseas Vietnamese star given the opportunity to try his hand. Andrej's parents are both Vietnamese, but he was born and raised in the Czech Republic (like his senior Mac Hong Quan, who played for the U.23 team and the Vietnam national team). He played for FK Trinec, moved to the Sigma Olomouc youth team and then returned to Trinec. Andrej's potential was demonstrated when he played for the U.19 Czech Republic team, or before that, the U.17 and U.18 teams of this country. During his time coaching Andrej, coach Troussier highly appreciated his student's potential, and affirmed that although he still had shortcomings, this player was very young (not yet 20 years old), with plenty of time to improve.
The age of 19 and 20 plays an important role, as this is the "gateway" for players to step from youth to professional. The success or failure of a player's career is likely to be decided during this period. With an ideal physique, playing in a position that can develop thinking as a central midfielder, and living and training in a European football environment, Andrej promises to progress and become an important piece for coach Kim Sang-sik to build the U.22 Vietnam team.
Unlike Andrej, Viktor Le has less playing time in Europe, but the advantage of the midfielder with Vietnamese-Russian blood is that he is playing in the V-League, which gives him a better understanding of football culture and life here. The midfielder born in 2003 is the name that fans have been talking about in recent days, as a candidate for a place in the U.22 Vietnam team. Viktor Le returned to Vietnam to play in 2023, and has played 39 matches so far. At Ha Tinh Club this season, Viktor Le played 9 matches (3 as a starter), scoring 1 goal. Although he has not played much time and has not had enough experience to carry the team in the V-League, Viktor Le is a potential rough diamond. He is 1.77 m tall, good at handling things, skillful and has a tactical vision. Being "molded" by a strategist who is good at developing players' abilities and knows how to live within his means like Coach Nguyen Thanh Cong is also an opportunity for Viktor Le to build a foothold, in the context of V-League having less and less room for young players to perform.
Along with other potential players such as Zan Nguyen (1.9 m tall, playing for Ho Chi Minh City Club), Le Trung Vinh (1.78 m, Dong Thap Club)... U.22 Vietnam has many overseas Vietnamese options to prepare for important tournaments in 2025.
Looking for talent for U.22
While in office, Coach Troussier affirmed that Vietnamese football needs to make good use of foreign players. "This is the path that Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and other Asian teams have taken," Mr. Troussier emphasized.
The policy of VFF and VPF allowing Vietnamese clubs to register 2 overseas Vietnamese players has paved the way for many players to return home to contribute. Kyle Colonna, Pierre Lamothe (Hanoi Club), Jason Quang Vinh (Hanoi Police Club), Patrik Le Giang (HCMC Club) are examples, helping Vietnamese teams at all levels have more options.
Six years ago, Coach Park Hang-seo went to Norway to watch Vietnamese-American striker Alexander Dang play. Although he did not choose Alexander because he was not superior to domestic players, Mr. Park's move shows that coaches always try to find good players to improve the team's strength. Coach Kim Sang-sik will also mobilize all resources to improve the level of U.22 Vietnam.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cau-thu-viet-kieu-se-giup-u22-viet-num-cao-hon-va-khoe-hon-185250206221652565.htm
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