Vietnam team vs Kyrgyzstan: Waiting for Nguyen Filip

On the evening of January 9, the Vietnamese team played a friendly match with Kyrgyzstan as a rehearsal before entering the 2023 Asian Cup. This was an opportunity for coach Philippe Troussier to observe and evaluate the players' performance after about 10 days of training.

The Frenchman is likely to give most of his players playing time. However, the starting XI is often the best to test cohesion and coordination.

In goal, Nguyen Filip is considered to have secured a place after Dang Van Lam left the team due to injury. This is the first time the goalkeeper of the Hanoi Police Club has worn the national team jersey. However, he has many advantages, especially his extensive experience playing in Europe.

Nguyen Filip is the top choice in the Vietnamese national team's goal. (Photo: Cuong Hoang)

Besides, Nguyen Filip's ball handling skills are also superior to his colleagues. This factor is consistent with coach Philippe Troussier's philosophy of developing the ball from the back.

The center of defense will receive a lot of attention. Do Duy Manh is the number 1 choice in the right center back position. He is currently the most experienced center back of the team. This is a necessary factor when the team steps into the continental arena, because the player needs courage and composure to confront the cunning of the opponent.

The central defender position was given to Bui Hoang Viet Anh. The player born in 1999 will take over the role left by Que Ngoc Hai. Viet Anh has been "tested" in many international matches, and the 2023 Asian Cup will be the place for him to break through and affirm his new position in the national team.

The remaining position belongs to Phan Tuan Tai. Coach Troussier really likes the player of The Cong Viettel because he has the ability to deploy the ball well. Tai's left foot will help the team's attack faster. However, he needs to coordinate his physical strength to ensure he plays the full 90 minutes.

The two flanks bring a pleasant headache for Mr. Troussier. The French coach has 6 options for two positions. Vu Van Thanh is likely to be trusted on the right wing after a good performance in November. On the other wing, Vo Minh Trong is the best choice thanks to his ability to climb the flank and coordinate with the attacking players.

The central midfielder duo is still Nguyen Tuan Anh and Nguyen Thai Son. Both officially played in the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers. One has the ability to hold the ball and escape impressively, while the other has youthful energy, increasing the ability to recover the ball.

The task of launching attacks with the central midfield duo will be somewhat relieved thanks to the presence of Nguyen Quang Hai. The former Hanoi FC player will play the role of linking the midfield with the attack.

Nguyen Van Toan and Pham Tuan Hai are the pair playing highest in the squad. They bring aggression and flexible movement to help the midfielders easily guide the ball up.

Expected lineup of Vietnam team: Nguyen Filip, Do Duy Manh, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Phan Tuan Tai, Vu Van Thanh, Vo Minh Trong, Nguyen Tuan Anh, Nguyen Thai Son, Nguyen Quang Hai, Pham Tuan Hai, Nguyen Van Toan

Hoai Duong

Source