Regrets surrounding the V-League's best lineup: If only...

Although the V-League's best squad has shown many outstanding players in the past season, there are still players who are perhaps worthy but have not been honored.

V-League's best squad is still... not complete?

The V-League 2025 - 2026 best squad was announced at the V-League Award ceremony held yesterday afternoon (July 1).

Specifically, the chosen goalkeeper is Nguyen Dinh Trieu. The defensive quartet includes left-back Cao Pendant Quang Vinh, central defenders Nguyen Thanh Chung and Adou Minh, and right-back Bui Tien Dung. The midfield quartet includes Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Van Vi and Caio Cesar. And on the attack line, the two strikers are Alan Sebastiao Grafite and Nguyen Tien Linh.

Obviously, it is very difficult to find an ideal typical team, and there will always be regrets and debates in any tournament. V-League is no exception.

Typical lineup of V-League 2024 - 2025

PHOTO: VPF

As a goalkeeper, Dinh Trieu has made many spectacular saves this season, such as the "unimaginable" diving saves in the matches between Hai Phong and Ha Tinh or the Hanoi Police Club (CAHN Club). However, compared to the 2023 or 2023-2024 seasons, this is not a season that Dinh Trieu excels at.

He even missed 5 matches in V-League this season due to some health reasons. The period after AFF Cup 2024 witnessed Dinh Trieu's "low" period, before the goalkeeper born in 1991 bounced back in the sprint.

Compared to Dinh Trieu, it is clear that goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh or Nguyen Filip are not inferior, even somewhat better.

Nguyen Manh played all 26 matches for Nam Dinh FC in V-League this season, contributing greatly to helping the team from the South have the best defense in the league (only conceding 18 goals in 26 matches). Nguyen Manh not only had good reflexes, entered and exited the field appropriately, and played with his feet consistently, but also showed his leadership qualities when he commanded Nam Dinh's defense smoothly.

Nguyen Filip also had a stable season with 24 starting matches, saving many times for CAHN Club. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper with Vietnamese - Czech blood was not honored.

Dinh Trieu in Hai Phong shirt

PHOTO: NGOC TRA

The highlight of Dinh Trieu compared to Nguyen Manh and Nguyen Filip is that Trieu plays for a more modest team (Hai Phong Club). Perhaps because of that, the role of a goalkeeper is seen as more prominent, and at the same time the pressure is also greater, so Dinh Trieu "won" over other goalkeepers to be honored.

In the midfield, all 4 midfielders voted are central midfielders (Caio Cesar) or attacking midfielders (Quang Hai, Hai Long, Van Vi). It is a bit regretful that defensive midfielders were not recognized despite holding a key role in the operation of the game.

The midfielder can dictate the game, but the defensive midfielder is the anchor in front of the defense, under great pressure and must play with great tenacity.

Ly Cong Hoang Anh has played 24 matches for Nam Dinh FC this season, scoring 6 goals. The midfielder born in 1999 possesses endless energy and fighting spirit, helping the team from Thanh Nam always dominate the opponent. No midfielder has had better progress than Hoang Anh this season. If the player from Phu Tho is honored, perhaps the typical squad will be more complete.

Pity for foreign soldiers

Despite playing an important role in most clubs (even contributing over 50% of goals and assists), only 2 foreign players are present in the V-League's best squad. They are Alan Sebastiao Grafite and Caio Cesar.

Leo Artur of CAHN FC had a good season. Despite missing 6 matches due to injury, he still managed to score 10 goals, including key goals that helped CAHN FC win the V-League bronze medal in a season that had to "plow" up to 39 matches in all competitions. Compared to Hai Long or Quang Hai, Artur is not inferior in both scoring efficiency and influence.

Leo Artur absent from the typical lineup

PHOTO: MINH TU

Another foreign player who should be considered is Lucao of Hai Phong. The Brazilian striker scored 14 goals (accounting for nearly half of Hai Phong's goals this season), winning the co-top scorer title with Alan. Lucao not only scored regularly but also was a highlight in the attacking style of play by playing the role of ball carrier, creator, and leader of the play.

More importantly, becoming the top scorer when playing in a team with moderate strength like Hai Phong FC requires great effort from Lucao. However, the former Hanoi striker will have to wait for another opportunity to be honored properly.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nuoi-tiec-xung-quanh-doi-hinh-tieu-bieu-v-league-gia-nhu-185250702073221238.htm