The fierce 'war' on both wings of the Vietnamese team gives coach Kim Sang-sik a headache

Not easy for 'Hero of Changzhou'

Phan Van Duc was once a key factor in the successful period of Vietnamese football under coach Park Hang-seo. But for a long time now, he has struggled with injuries and has not been able to regain his peak form. The last time Duc "tiger" played for the Vietnamese team was in a friendly match against Thailand at FIFA in September, but he did not show much. It has been too long since the image of the player from Nghe An shining in the red shirt with yellow stars has appeared.

Vietnamese fans are always waiting for Van Duc to return. But this is not easy. At this time, he faces fierce competition in the Vietnamese national team. In the left forward position in the 3-4-3 formation, besides Van Duc, coach Kim Sang-sik has at least 4 other options: Pham Tuan Hai, Chau Ngoc Quang, Nguyen Quoc Viet and Nguyen Dinh Bac. All are relatively formidable opponents.

Phan Van Duc used to be the "ace" of the Vietnamese team.

For many years, Tuan Hai has always been the first choice in this position for the Vietnam national team. Meanwhile, Ngoc Quang is thriving with HAGL with 3 goals in the V-League. Young talents like Quoc Viet and Dinh Bac are eager to show off and are also in relatively good form for their clubs.

Not to mention that coach Kim Sang-sik can push Khuat Van Khang to play as a left winger. At Viettel The Cong Club, when freed from defensive duties, the player born in 2003 always plays explosively, is a heavy "drill" with good speed and technique.

Van Duc of course has his own "weapon", which is the ability to change. He has many situations of turning and suddenly kicking very quickly to surprise his opponents. In addition, the ability to finish with both feet of this player is also impressive. His versatility can also help Van Duc be chosen. He can play in the right wing forward position, even as a shuttle midfielder. But the important thing is that he needs to improve his performance, regain the feeling of the ball, the confidence like before. In V-League, Van Duc has not played well and has not scored any goals.

What are the opportunities for 'new winds' in the Vietnam national team?

There is also fierce competition on the opposite flank, with Bui Vi Hao, Nguyen Hai Long, Tran Bao Toan and possibly Nguyen Quang Hai, who can play as a central midfielder and right forward. When Nam Dinh FC finishes competing in the AFC Champions League Two, Nguyen Van Toan will almost certainly be called up and “join the fight”.

Bui Vi Hao is winning the trust of coach Kim Sang-sik.

In terms of form, Vi Hao is the leading candidate for the starting position. He is a mainstay of Binh Duong Club, performing well in the recent FIFA Days series with goals and penalties for the Vietnam team. Notably, the young striker's ability to move without the ball is very impressive, helping him gain the trust of coach Kim Sang-sik. The Korean strategist always favors energetic players who can contribute a lot to the gameplay. He also has a better physique and better defensive support ability than his competitors for the position.

Meanwhile, Van Toan and Quang Hai have long affirmed their class and have the advantage of playing experience. Therefore, Hai Long and Bao Toan need to make great efforts to catch the eye of the captain of the Vietnam national team. These two players have good form for Hanoi FC and HAGL but still have many shortcomings, compared to Vi Hao, Van Toan and Quang Hai.

And it’s not just the players who face challenges. With about 10-12 players for the left and right wing positions, coach Kim Sang-sik will have to observe a lot and analyze a huge amount of information to discuss the appropriate playing time. Only then can he make the most accurate assessment and choose the most suitable players for the Vietnam team.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-chien-khoc-liet-o-2-canh-doi-tuyen-viet-nam-hlv-kim-sang-sik-dau-dau-185241122141829502.htm