Head coach Kim Sang Sik continues to place his trust in overseas Vietnamese players in the U23 Vietnam squad. But the question remains: will his confidence be rewarded?

Coach Kim Sang Sik's trust

In the latest U23 Vietnam squad list, head coach Kim Sang Sik once again drew attention by including a group of overseas Vietnamese players: Viktor Le, Tran Thanh Trung, and newcomer Vadim Nguyen.

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Thanh Trung continues to earn the trust of coach Kim Sang Sik, along with Vadim Nguyen and Viktor Le.

This is not the first time players who have developed in European football environments have been called up. However, the growing number of such players highlights the Korean coach’s openness and strong belief in their potential.

Although Viktor Le has yet to truly shine in the U23 Vietnam jersey, his consistent performances over the past two V-League seasons with Ha Tinh earned him continued trust and another opportunity.

The case is different for Tran Thanh Trung and Vadim Nguyen. Neither player has made a notable mark in the V-League, and both have had limited playing time at the club level.

Still, their inclusion in the U23 squad suggests that coach Kim is investing in potential rather than current form. Notably, this is Vadim Nguyen’s first appearance, raising hopes that he could bring added competition and creativity to the attacking line, which is currently lacking spark.

Will the trust be rewarded?

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Hopes are high that coach Kim Sang Sik's belief in overseas Vietnamese players will be repaid with strong performances.

The lingering question is: will coach Kim Sang Sik’s belief pay off?

In recent years, overseas Vietnamese players have not made significant impressions with the U23 or senior national teams. Many were highly anticipated but quickly faded due to difficulties adapting to the playing style and climate in Vietnam.

Even Tran Thanh Trung, who boasts an impressive résumé with experience in Europe, was once dropped right before the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers and has yet to secure a regular spot at his club.

However, things may turn out differently this time. The U23 Vietnam team is currently undergoing an important training camp under interim coach Dinh Hong Vinh, who is standing in for Kim during this preparation phase.

The coach from Gia Lai is known for his ability to help overseas Vietnamese players integrate, having previously helped Viktor Le regain confidence during the CFA Team China 2025 campaign. This gives reason to hope that the same can happen for the other two.

Ultimately, success will depend on the adaptability, determination, and persistence of the players themselves. Hopefully, during the upcoming training trip in the UAE, Vadim Nguyen, Tran Thanh Trung, and even Viktor Le will prove that coach Kim Sang Sik’s faith in them is well-placed.

Duy Nguyen