New momentum from the U.22 Vietnam midfield

Compared to the last SEA Games 2 years ago, the current U.22 Vietnam team is more balanced and harmonious in many factors, most clearly demonstrated in the midfield.

Dream of SEA Games 33 Gold Medal

Two years ago, at the 32nd SEA Games, the U.22 Vietnam team coached by Mr. Troussier had quite a few attacking midfielders, playing with technique like Khuat Van Khang, Le Van Do, Huynh Cong Den, Dinh Xuan Tien... but lacked a midfielder who specialized in ball recovery and long-range defense. That was the reason why the team was very fragile in its ability to block. Every time the opponent counter-attacked, we easily conceded a goal because their players did not encounter obstacles from defensive midfielders who specialized in ball recovery.

Currently, U.22 Vietnam under coach Kim Sang-sik has a stronger midfield, more balanced between attacking and defending ability, more harmonious between technical factors and muscular qualities. The U.22 Vietnam team at this time still has attacking midfielders Dinh Xuan Tien and Khuat Van Khang. In addition, Nguyen Van Truong and Vietnamese-American player Andrej Nguyen An Khanh are also expected attacking midfielders, playing with a technical focus.

Meanwhile, central midfielders Viktor Le (1.78 m), Nguyen Quang Vinh (1.74 m) and Nguyen Thai Quoc Cuong (1.73 m) will play the role of blocking midfielders, defending from afar. These are all players who play aggressively, are not afraid of collisions, and have good physiques. They are the type of midfielders absent from the U.22 Vietnam team at the 32nd SEA Games.

The appearance of Viktor Le (11) helps the U.22 Vietnam midfield to be more balanced.

PHOTO: MINH TU

In addition, in the 22-year-old age group, Vietnamese football also has central midfielder Nguyen Thai Son, who is currently playing for the national team, and will be added to the U.22 Vietnam team at the 33rd SEA Games and the U.23 Asian qualifiers taking place in 2025.

Practice defense first, attack later

From March 20 to 25, the U.22 Vietnam team will participate in an international friendly tournament in Jiangsu (China) with the host U.22 China, South Korea and Uzbekistan. These teams are all stronger than us. Therefore, this tournament will help the U.22 Vietnam team practice defense and fortitude to withstand the pressure of stronger teams.

Then, the closer to the 33rd SEA Games (taking place from December 9 to 20), the level of competition for U.22 Vietnam will gradually decrease. Explaining the matter of competing with strong teams first, then with weaker teams, former VFF Vice President Duong Vu Lam said: "Competition with strong teams far from the tournament is to help players improve their professional quality, increase their endurance and increase their bravery, helping them get used to the tense atmosphere in international matches. But the closer to the official tournament, the competition must be weaker than us, because that is the stage of assembling the team, practicing the ability to attack. Having to compete with weaker teams will help them attack more, making it easier to assemble the team."

This is the formula that created success for the Vietnamese team at the AFF Cup 2024. Before the 33rd SEA Games, the U.22 Vietnamese team will repeat this journey, hoping to win the gold medal, like their seniors did.

Source: https://archive.vietnam.vn/suc-bat-moi-tu-hang-tien-ve-u-22-viet-nam/