Compared with the squad assembled in March, head coach Kim Sang Sik has made several personnel changes ahead of the regional tournament. The most notable development is the inclusion of three naturalized players - Nguyen Tai Loc (Geovane) of Ninh Binh, Nguyen Xuan Son of Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and Do Hoang Hen of Hanoi FC.

In reality, Kim Sang Sik had planned to use all three players as soon as they became eligible to represent Vietnam. Tai Loc, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen are among the most accomplished players in the V.League and have spent many years playing in Vietnamese football.

Two of them have already established themselves at national-team level and are widely expected to be key figures in Vietnam's ASEAN Cup campaign.

The presence of three naturalized players has sparked debate among fans, particularly given the growing number of overseas-born and naturalized footballers available to Vietnam, including Patrick Le Giang, Ngo Dang Khoa and Dang Van Lam.

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Vietnam's national team have become stronger thanks to the addition of naturalized players. Photo: S.N

However, both the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Kim Sang Sik appear to have carefully considered their approach.

VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu stressed that Vietnam's use of naturalized players would remain measured and strategic rather than following the large-scale recruitment models adopted by regional rivals Indonesia and Malaysia.

While three naturalized players have been selected, opportunities remain widely available for locally developed players.

In other words, competition within the national team remains open. Any player, regardless of background, risks losing a starting place or even a squad position if performances do not meet expectations.

Strengthening key positions

All three naturalized players selected in this camp operate primarily in attacking roles, although each offers different strengths suited to Kim Sang Sik's tactical plans.

Nguyen Xuan Son provides the classic centre-forward profile that Vietnam have often lacked. Hoang Hen brings creativity, technical quality and finishing ability, while newcomer Nguyen Tai Loc adds versatility, pace and a proven goalscoring record.

During the most recent V.League season, Tai Loc scored nine goals in 23 appearances and added two more goals in four National Cup matches.

Perhaps most importantly, all three players address positions where Vietnam have lacked depth or quality in recent years.

If the trio can quickly develop chemistry with their teammates and perform to their full potential, Vietnam's attack could take on an entirely new dimension at ASEAN Cup 2026.

Dai Nam