The race for a place in the Vietnam national football team has never been more intense, as a rising generation of young players, the emergence of naturalized talents and a demanding competition schedule force head coach Kim Sang Sik to rethink his approach.

Kim Sang Sik set for changes

Under his tenure, Kim Sang Sik has largely relied on a core group of experienced players to ensure stability and immediate results. This approach has been understandable, as the South Korean coach has prioritized performance over unnecessary squad upheaval.

For the same reason, although members of the U23 Vietnam squad have regularly been called up, they have not been given as many opportunities on the pitch as fans might have hoped.

However, the situation ahead is expected to change. With multiple tournaments scheduled within a short period, the national team must not only rely on its starting lineup but also build significant depth. Continued dependence on a fixed core risks fatigue and a decline in form, making adjustments inevitable for the coaching staff.

Kim Sang Sik is now almost certain to broaden selection criteria. A place in the national team is no longer a given, but increasingly dependent on performance and individual effort.

A battle for places like never before

Although the final squad for the upcoming ASEAN Cup will only be announced after the LPBank V-League 2025-26 concludes, competition has already intensified.

A key factor is the rapid rise of young players. Names such as Nguyen Dinh Bac, Khuat Van Khang, Ngoc My, Trung Kien and Nhat Minh are developing quickly, with some already becoming key figures at their clubs. Their strong performances are putting direct pressure on senior players in the national team.

At the same time, naturalized players such as Tai Loc (Geovane) and Phi Long (Gustavo) are adding further quality. Their presence not only increases competition but also expands tactical options.

Meanwhile, experienced players continue to assert their value through composure and match experience. This creates a three-way dynamic of competition - experience, youth and new additions - within the national team.

All of these factors make securing a place in the squad more difficult than ever. Even previously untouchable names such as Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Nguyen Quang Hai now face the possibility of being benched.

Yet it is precisely this level of competition that can push the team forward, ensuring that only the most deserving players are selected for the major challenges ahead.

 
Duy Nguyen