Which goalkeeper will Kim use to play Nepal?

Nepal - Ảnh 1. — Goalkeeper Van Lam (middle) actively practices for the match with Nepal - Photo: ANH KHOA

Test for Van Lam

The number 1 position in the Vietnamese team's goal against Nepal in Group F of the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup in both matches in Ho Chi Minh City on October 9 and 14 is receiving great attention.

The poor performance of Nguyen Filip and Dinh Trieu recently is the main reason why both of them lost their place in the Vietnamese team.

But another reason is that coach Kim Sang Sik wants to take advantage of the match against Nepal to test Dang Van Lam's ability after nearly a year of absence. At the same time, he also gives opportunities to the two goalkeepers Trung Kien and Van Viet to prepare for the future.

Van Lam is the number 1 goalkeeper of the Vietnamese team under coach Park Hang Seo. Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Van Lam has not had many opportunities to show himself. Playing in the less competitive 2024 - 2025 First Division, and playing for the very strong Ninh Binh Club (20 undefeated matches in the whole tournament) makes Van Lam not highly appreciated by Mr. Kim. But Van Lam's good performance in the first 6 matches of the 2025 - 2026 V-League season made Mr. Kim reconsider before the match against Nepal.

Increased competition in goal

With his form and class, choosing Van Lam as the starting goalkeeper in the match against Nepal is completely worthy. It is also the preparation of the Vietnamese team for the important rematch with Malaysia in March 2026. However, Van Lam's ability to play with his feet is quite limited. In the 1-1 draw between The Cong - Viettel at Ninh Binh Stadium in round 6, Van Lam controlled the ball with his feet incorrectly, leading to a dangerous situation for the home team.

In 20 matches in the First Division last season, Van Lam conceded 3 goals. But in the first 6 matches in the V-League this season, he has conceded 5 goals. If talking about performance and statistics, Van Viet is Van Lam's biggest rival. Currently, this 23-year-old goalkeeper has only conceded 2 goals in 5 matches as a starter for the new club The Cong - Viettel in the V-League 2025 - 2026. Not to mention Van Viet's fighting spirit and footwork are also very good, helping the Vietnamese team to counterattack effectively.

22-year-old goalkeeper Trung Kien has the worst statistics among the 3 goalkeepers. He has conceded 5 goals in 5 matches and is ranked second to last with Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club. However, Trung Kien has the best physique (1m91) and is the number 1 goalkeeper of the current U23 Vietnam team. If the priority is to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games as well as the 2026 U23 Asian Cup finals, Trung Kien is the number 1 choice of coach Kim Sang Sik for the match against Nepal.

Van Lam also admitted that he and his two teammates will have to compete a lot to play in the upcoming two matches. "The best people in the Vietnam national team are the ones who have to try their best. Trung Kien, Van Viet, and I will support each other in training and competition. But who is chosen to play is the head coach's right," Van Lam said.

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NGUYEN KHOI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ong-kim-dung-thu-mon-nao-dau-nepal-20251008105205121.htm