Young stars ease coach Troussier's worries

Compared to the V.League arena, domestic players and young players often have more opportunities to perform in the National Cup. The regulation that V.League teams do not use foreign players when facing lower-ranked teams is also a factor that creates more opportunities for domestic players in football teams, especially those who rarely play in the V.League arena.

The 2023/24 National Cup qualifying matches are no exception.

Quang Nam 4-1 Hoa Binh

Midfielder Nguyen Dinh Bac - who played in two matches of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup and just scored a goal on his debut for the Vietnamese national team - has eased coach Philippe Troussier's worries. The French coach is concerned that players like Dinh Bac will not have many opportunities to play when they return to their clubs.

However, the 19-year-old striker not only played but also made a clear mark in Quang Nam FC’s 4-1 victory over Hoa Binh. This player showed all his strengths in the goal that raised the score to 3-1. That was his composure, ability to dribble past opponents and decisiveness in finishing.

In addition, Dinh Bac also had a situation where he faced the goalkeeper but his shot hit the post.

Not only Dinh Bac, many young players from other teams were also given the opportunity to play in the National Cup. Among them, a few players in the U23 age group and have been called up to the youth teams recently have made their mark.

Nguyen Dinh Bac played impressively against the team upon returning from the Vietnam national team. (Photo: Hoa Binh Club)

At Hoa Xuan Stadium, two U20 and U23 Vietnam players, Nguyen Phi Hoang and Nguyen Minh Quang, brought victory to Da Nang Club against Hue Club. With the Han River team playing in the First Division (relegated after the 2023 season), the opportunity for this duo to play and make their mark is wide open. That is very important when the goal of the young players will be a place in the U23 Asian finals next year.

The biggest win in the National Cup qualifying round belonged to SLNA. The Nghe An team won 6-2 against Dong Thap. With no foreign players playing, this was a performance entirely by the domestic players - the young players.

Coach Phan Nhu Thuat used a squad with 8 players under the age of 23. Dinh Xuan Tien and Tran Manh Quynh each scored a double.

The fact that the players shine and make their mark is a good sign for the national team. In early 2024, the Vietnam national team and the Vietnam U23 team will compete in two of Asia's top tournaments.

Players need to be given the opportunity to play regularly and maintain their ball sense. However, they also need to make an effort to prove their ability and value to the team. When clubs return to the V.League arena, competition for positions will become more difficult as clubs are under more pressure to perform, and coaches also have to make room for foreign players.