Quang Vinh follows Xuan Son's footsteps, bringing international class to the Vietnamese team

Cao Pendant Quang Vinh - classy and versatile

Defender Jason Quang Vinh completed the naturalization procedure on March 19, with the new name "Cao Pendant Quang Vinh". The player born in 1997 was not able to play with the Vietnamese team in the match against Laos on March 25, but is eligible to play the remaining 5 matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers if coach Kim Sang-sik gives him the opportunity.

At the age of 28, Quang Vinh has reached the peak of his career. The player of mixed Vietnamese and French blood played for Sochaux in Ligue 2 (France's second division) for 6 years, then moved to the US to play for New York Red Bulls for 3 years (2020 - 2022).

Cao Pendant Quang Vinh has Vietnamese nationality.

PHOTO: CAHN CLUB

Returning to France in 2022, Jason Quang Vinh plays for Quevilly Rouen, a team also in the French second division. The 28-year-old defender has played 65 Ligue 2 games in just two years. He has been a consistent starter, usually missing only when injured or suspended.

Cao Pendant Quang Vinh chose to return to Vietnam to contribute to his mother's homeland. "I want to come here, as I always consider Vietnam my second homeland, that is where my mother was born. I always want to make an effort for my homeland. The important thing for me right now is to make an effort for the present," he emphasized.

He signed a contract with Hanoi Police Club (CAHN Club) in August 2024, with a 2-year agreement. At the new team, Quang Vinh immediately won a starting position with an outstanding performance. He played 21 matches since the beginning of the tournament (15 V-League matches, 5 Southeast Asian Cup C1 matches, 1 National Cup match), playing so consistently that he owned an "untouchable" position on the left wing.

Although the Vietnamese football environment cannot be compared to Europe, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh has not had much opportunity to perform. However, the outstanding qualities that helped this player to be called up to the French youth team are still shown. Quang Vinh has a good height (1.77 m), enough to compete well for both high and low balls. He defends solidly, dribbles well, has speed and possesses many ideas for handling the ball when supporting the attack.

Quang Vinh (red shirt) is a versatile player.

PHOTO: CAHN CLUB

During the period when CAHN Club's force changed, Quang Vinh (defense) and Leo Artur (attack) are the rare players who still maintain their form. If they play at their best, it is only a matter of time before Quang Vinh is called up to the national team by coach Kim Sang-sik.

Quality Piece

With his talent confirmed after 8 years of training in France, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh is expected to bring an explosive effect similar to Nguyen Xuan Son. The Vietnam team will have a player of Vietnamese nationality, but with a physique and mindset at European level.

One player can hardly elevate an entire system, but he can make it smoother and stronger if used correctly.

Cao Pendant Quang Vinh has what coach Kim Sang-sik needs in a defender: strong and solid in the tackle, able to calmly hold the ball to coordinate with the front line, or dribble to create opportunities when needed. A defensive player is not only for... defending, but also brings vitality to the attack.

Quang Vinh's strength is also his versatility. He plays left back, but can also play left center back. Coach Alexandre Polking once used his student in the left center back position in the match against The Cong Viettel to increase control from the defense. As a result, CAHN Club won 2-1, with Quang Vinh being one of the best players.

In the left-back and left-center positions, coach Kim Sang-sik is in need of good players. Nguyen Van Vi and Khuat Van Khang both tried their best on the left wing, but were not outstanding. In defense, Nguyen Thanh Binh has not adapted to playing as a left-center, while Bui Tien Dung is only adequate.

Importantly, besides his expertise, Cao Pendant Quang Vinh has adapted well to both culture and lifestyle. He still studies Vietnamese every day, is always open and communicates diligently. A quality rookie is waiting for coach Kim Sang-sik to exploit. With Quang Vinh, the Vietnamese team will be stronger.