A welcome decision

Coach Kim Sang Sik’s newest squad list for Vietnam’s upcoming double-header against Nepal offers plenty of reasons for optimism. Notably, the Korean coach has boldly called up several young talents from the U23 team for their first test at senior level.

Names like Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh, and Xuan Bac - who only recently emerged through the U23 Southeast Asian Championship and U23 Asian qualifiers - now have the chance to train and possibly play alongside the national team’s veterans.

This is a refreshing move from Kim Sang Sik. Rather than relying entirely on his established core, he is extending opportunities for promising youngsters to gain experience.

More than just a reward for their recent performances with the U23 side, this step signals an effort to inject fresh energy into the national team, which has struggled for creativity and solutions following the ASEAN Cup.

Together with more familiar young faces like Van Khang and Dinh Bac - already beginning to bridge the generational gap - these additions hint at a more dynamic and deeper Vietnam squad. Such a foundation is vital as the country looks toward long-term goals like the 2027 Asian Cup and future international tournaments.

Lingering doubts remain

While the decision has sparked excitement and hope among fans, it also comes with hesitation - especially when looking back at Kim Sang Sik’s previous approach to squad usage.

In the three official matches Vietnam played after winning the 2024 ASEAN title, several young players were included in the roster. However, their actual playing time on the field was extremely limited.

In the high-stakes match against Malaysia, the coach’s preference for experienced players was understandable. But even in far less competitive fixtures - against Laos or in a friendly against Cambodia - these newcomers remained mostly on the bench. Their opportunity to showcase themselves was virtually nonexistent.

This raises concerns that young players may be called up merely to “get a feel” for the national team atmosphere, rather than being truly tested in game situations.

It’s a valid question for supporters: when Vietnam faces Nepal - a team considered within reach - will these young players finally be trusted with minutes on the pitch, or will they once again be spectators in uniform?

The upcoming two matches against Nepal will serve as a critical litmus test for Coach Kim Sang Sik’s courage and decisiveness. Only by trusting the next generation in official matches can Vietnam’s much-needed transition of footballing talent genuinely begin.

Duy Nguyen