The competition between two new generation left-backs

After Van Hau suffered a persistent injury, the left-back position has caused headaches for coaches Philippe Troussier and Kim Sang-sik. Many football experts such as Mr. Phan Anh Tu and commentator Ngo Quang Tung agree that this is the weakest point of the Vietnamese team. Hong Duy, Minh Trong, and Tuan Tai have all been tested, but none have brought absolute peace of mind.

But now, coach Kim Sang-sik can be more assured with the progress of Van Khang and the "new wind" named Van Vi. In fact, Van Khang has been tested in the left-back position under both coach Troussier and Kim Sang-sik. In the U.20 Vietnam team, he was also given a similar role by coach Hoang Anh Tuan. The player of The Cong Viettel Club has shown his strengths in attack such as: smart passing ability, good speed, good breakthrough and making reasonable decisions to cross the ball and pass.

Van Khang (left) and Van Vi both have good form in V-League

However, Van Khang also revealed weaknesses in defense. As an attacking player, he often went high, so he was exploited by opponents. He also did not have a good sense of space in the left-back position, sometimes making positional mistakes, ruining the offside trap of the Vietnamese team. However, the player born in 2003 has gradually overcome these weaknesses. The attacking and defensive rhythms are now more reasonable. He also has the tenacity and flexibility to stick with opponents in one-on-one disputes. During the recent training trip to Korea, Van Khang's performance was highly appreciated. Not stopping there, this player can also be a surprise "explosive" for the Vietnamese team thanks to his excellent free kick and long-range shooting ability. In this season's V-League, Van Khang has had 2 great long-range shots. He scored for the Vietnamese youth teams, shaking the goal of the Korean team and U.20 Iran from a direct free kick.

Compared to Van Khang, Van Vi has better balance. Being a pure left-back, the player of Nam Dinh Club is of course better at defense. The attacking ability of the defender born in 1998 has also improved a lot. This season, he has

13 appearances in all competitions, scoring 1 goal and 5 assists for Nam Dinh Club. This is an impressive number, showing that he is the defender who has contributed the most goals to a V-League club, up to this point. Van Vi's disadvantage is only his lack of international experience. Previously, he was called up by Coach Park Hang-seo but did not have the opportunity to play. That also makes him more eager and more determined.

During the training trip to Korea, coach Kim Sang-sik only had Van Khang as a left-footed player playing left-back. And with the presence of Van Vi, a new competition within the Vietnamese team is forming. This will be the motivation for both of them to try harder and be more determined to be selected for the AFF Cup 2024.

Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 is broadcast live and in full on FPT Play, at: http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-canh-tranh-cua-2-hau-ve-trai-the-he-moi-18524120422471541.htm