The one who opens up the faith for naturalized players

TURNING POINT

Nguyen Xuan Son will debut for the Vietnamese national team in the match against Myanmar in the final round of the AFF Cup 2024 group stage, taking place at 8:00 p.m. today (December 21) at Viet Tri Stadium. Five years after arriving in Vietnam to sign a contract with Nam Dinh Club, Xuan Son is about to achieve the dream he has been pursuing for many months: to contribute to the Vietnamese national team and sing the Vietnamese national anthem at an international tournament.

Nguyen Xuan Son is ready for his debut.

Before Xuan Son, there were 29 foreign players who were naturalized in Vietnam. Some of them have worn the national team jersey, such as Dinh Hoang La, Phan Van Santos or Huynh Kesley Alves. However, no one has ever played with the national team in an official tournament and has had as much expectation as Xuan Son. He appeared at the right time, when football had entered the globalization stage, paving the way for many naturalized players to have the opportunity to contribute. At a time when the issue of origin is no longer a big barrier in the thinking of fans and football professionals, the door was wide open for Xuan Son.

But above all, Xuan Son was called up to the preliminary list because of his ability. In 5 years in the V-League, the 27-year-old striker has become the most versatile and classy striker that Vietnamese football has ever seen. Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed that Xuan Son can bring many things to the Vietnamese team. As for the Nam Dinh striker personally, the desire to wear the national team jersey has motivated him to do his best.

He convinced fans with his professionalism and love for the country and people of Vietnam. He and his wife and children learned Vietnamese, went to the market with his family to buy banana cakes, and learned to sing the Vietnamese National Anthem every day. "I am confident that I can sing the Vietnamese National Anthem. For the fans, I have learned to sing every day," Xuan Son shared before the match. This striker prepared carefully to every detail and the 3 matches he had to watch his teammates from the stands further fueled Xuan Son's determination to make an explosive debut.

K TWO BREAKS THE NEW PATH

If Xuan Son shines, not only can this player affirm his personal position in the Vietnamese team, but also pave the way for other naturalized "Westerners" to step onto the big stage.

Commentator Ngo Quang Tung analyzed: “The world is gradually opening up to naturalized players and so should we. If the player meets the legal requirements, is good at his job, has a heart for Vietnam in general and Vietnamese football in particular, do not hesitate to give them a chance. Of course, coach Kim Sang-sik should only call up those who have all the qualities (in line with the established criteria) to serve the Vietnamese team.”

Commentator Quang Huy also expressed his opinion: “Foreign players who want to wear the Vietnamese national team jersey need to truly desire to contribute, have enough Vietnamese, sing the national anthem… Vietnamese football should not abuse naturalization, but should also not waste any resources to revive the team.”

The image of Xuan Son in the national team jersey tonight will be very special. Because he is not only a "Mr. Ta" who is dedicating himself to the national flag, but also symbolizes the change in thinking of an entire football industry. We need successful examples like Xuan Son to truly untie the final knot, thereby being ready to open our hearts to people who may have foreign origins, but are talented and love Vietnam with all their hearts.

Coach Kim Sang-sik shared: “We are very lucky to have Xuan Son in the squad. Xuan Son has good conditions in terms of physique, fitness and technique. Tomorrow is a new start for Xuan Son and we hope he will perform well to give to those who love the team.”

Myanmar coach Myo Hlaing Win stated: “We know that the Vietnamese team will have Xuan Son, but besides him, the Vietnamese team has many high-class and experienced players. Myanmar will not focus on any individual, but on the entire Vietnamese team. This match will be very interesting.”

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/xuan-son-nguoi-khai-pha-niem-tin-cho-cau-thu-nhap-tich-18524122023240073.htm