Mr. Kim Sang-sik uses AFF Cup to train the young generation

IMPRESSIONS OF YOUNG FACES

In the Vietnamese national team this time, there are 7 players who are old enough to play in the 33rd SEA Games in 2025 in Thailand, including Khuat Van Khang, Bui Vi Hao, Nguyen Van Truong, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Tran Trung Kien (all born in 2003), Nguyen Dinh Bac (born in 2004). Among them, Van Khang, Vi Hao, Thai Son, Trung Kien and Dinh Bac are those who regularly play in the main squad of V-League clubs.

Even Thai Son (905 minutes) and Vi Hao (809 minutes) ranked first and second in terms of minutes played at Thanh Hoa and Binh Duong clubs, respectively. Of which, Van Khang has 2 goals and 1 assist; Dinh Bac and Thai Son have 1 goal; Vi Hao, although not yet scored, has 1 assist and is one of the most formidable attackers of Binh Duong club; Quoc Viet also has 1 goal in the first division; young goalkeeper Trung Kien is a phenomenon this season, becoming the number 1 choice in the goal of HAGL club. At Hanoi club, Van Truong has 5 starting positions and 4 substitute appearances in 9 rounds of V-League 2024 - 2025.

Khuat Van Khang (right) is making progress at Viettel The Cong Club.

This shows that the young players who are joining the Vietnam national team this time are all in good form, and also shows that V-League clubs are still actively supporting and giving young players the opportunity to play in the toughest tournament in Vietnam. On the other hand, the talents who are old enough to play in the SEA Games next year are quickly becoming stronger, ready to become a solid framework for the U.22 Vietnam team with the goal of conquering the gold medal in Thailand. But of course, the AFF Cup 2024 is the highest arena of Southeast Asian football and will be at a much higher level. The competition within the Vietnam national team will therefore also be extremely fierce.

OPPORTUNITIES AT AFF C UP 2024

Coach Kim Sang-sik is aiming for the AFF Cup 2024 with a strong and decisive style by not calling up some familiar names to give opportunities to those he considers to be in better form. Fans are curious to see the performances of new names such as Doan Ngoc Tan, Nguyen Hai Long, Truong Tien Anh, Tran Bao Toan... Of course, everyone is eager for Mr. Kim to realize his promise to give more opportunities to young players at the AFF Cup 2024, where he will be under great pressure to achieve results. In the context of opponents like Thailand still at a high level, Indonesia becoming a formidable name at the continental level will put even more pressure on Mr. Kim's shoulders to reach the final. The fact that opponents like Laos are making remarkable progress, demonstrated through the 1-1 draw with Thailand on November 17, makes the Vietnamese team even more cautious in every step.

Looking at that overall picture, it is clear that coach Kim Sang-sik has to carefully consider each of his decisions. In fact, the competition within the team is still very high. It is very difficult for Trung Kien to compete for a position with Van Lam, Nguyen Filip or Dinh Trieu. In the front line, Van Khang will have to compete with Dinh Bac, Quoc Viet and experienced seniors like Van Duc, Tuan Hai in the left-sided striker position. Van Truong and Thai Son will have to compete for a spot in the middle of the field with a series of good players like Hoang Duc, Ngoc Quang, Thanh Long, Ngoc Tan. On the right wing, Vi Hao's opponents are Van Toan, Quang Hai, Hai Long. It is easy to see that the "competition rate" for young players is very high. But do not forget that in recent matches, Mr. Kim has always been very active in giving opportunities to Van Khang, Vi Hao, Van Truong, Dinh Bac... to play against big opponents like Russia and Thailand. This shows that Mr. Kim wants to take advantage of the training time so that young talents can quickly mature under pressure. Coach Kim Sang-sik's trend of rejuvenating the Vietnamese national team is an advantage for the generation born in 2003-2004, but as mentioned above, Mr. Kim will have to balance the pressure of achievement. Ultimately, each player will have to make an effort to seize their own opportunities as they are doing in the V-League, thereby stepping onto the big regional stage in a worthy manner.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-viet-nam-ong-kim-sang-sik-lay-aff-cup-trui-ren-lop-tre-185241121151237116.htm