Check out 3 outstanding factors of U23 Vietnam in the 2024 U23 Asia qualifiers

U23 Vietnam finished their journey in the 2024 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers with 2 wins and 1 draw. The points were enough for coach Philippe Troussier and his team to top the group and qualify for the finals. In the stage of building their squad and playing style, U23 Vietnam has yet to produce any impressive performances. However, some players left their personal mark, bringing much hope for the future.

Nguyen Thai Son is mature in midfield

Midfielder Nguyen Thai Son was selected to start all 3 matches of U23 Vietnam. In the team's current tactical system, Thai Son's role is irreplaceable. Coach Troussier uses different combinations in midfield, but the Thanh Hoa player's position is always guaranteed.

**Nguyen Thai Son is the most important factor in the midfield of U23 Vietnam. (Photo: Minh Anh)**

Number 8 of U23 Vietnam can move all over the field, compete and recover the ball well. Thai Son's mobility helps U23 Vietnam change state quickly. However, the limitation of this player is the ability to create breakthroughs with passes.

Regular experience in the V-League is an important factor that helps Thai Son differentiate himself from his teammates in the same position. This player played 20 matches for Dong A Thanh Hoa Club in the 2023 season and his remarkable progress is understandable. If he continues to maintain his current progress, Thai Son will soon be given the opportunity to play for the Vietnamese national team for the second time.

Nguyen Van Viet took the place of Quan Van Chuan

SLNA's goalkeeper is a prominent new face in the 2024 U23 Asian qualifiers. Being given the opportunity to play continuously at the end of the 2023 V-League season opened up opportunities for Nguyen Van Viet and he seized them very successfully. The performance of this goalkeeper brought a sense of security to the fans. Van Viet's important saves in the match against U23 Yemen helped U23 Vietnam keep a clean sheet, thereby completing the task of qualifying early.

Goalkeeper Nguyen Van Viet left his mark with saves. (Photo: Minh Anh)

In the 2024 U23 Asian qualifiers, Quan Van Chuan did not participate because he was banned from playing 2 matches. When returning to U23 Vietnam, the goalkeeper of Hanoi FC will certainly face great competition to keep his position. Compared to his teammates, Van Chuan is at a disadvantage in terms of playing feeling because he rarely plays for his club.

Born in 2002, Van Viet's chances of playing in the V-League are still wide open, especially when SLNA parted ways with goalkeeper Nguyen Van Hoang. If he maintains his spirit and practice, Van Viet deserves to be given the starting position by coach Phan Nhu Thuat. At that time, this player's experience will be built up faster and he will have more opportunities to prove his ability in international matches.

"Trump card" Ho Van Cuong

Van Cuong is coach Troussier's "trump card". (Photo: Kim Chi)

Coach Troussier did not use Ho Van Cuong as a starter in the two most important matches, but instead chose Nguyen Duc Phu for the right-back position. However, the player wearing the number 13 shirt is still an important option for the French coach, whom he called his "trump card".

Ho Van Cuong has always proven his ability and made a clear difference when he was brought on as a substitute. The SLNA player's cross-field moves make the U23 Vietnam's right-wing attack more destructive. Van Cuong will be the name that can create many breakthroughs in the future of U23 Vietnam.

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