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Dinh Bac is currently enjoying excellent form. Photo: S.N

Head coach Kim Sang Sik is placing significant expectations on several players as Vietnam prepare to defend their ASEAN Cup crown.

Compared with ASEAN Cup 2024, Kim Sang Sik now has a broader range of personnel options for the national team, including newly naturalized players as well as several emerging U23 talents.

Most notably, Vietnam could field their strongest attacking unit ever during their upcoming ASEAN Cup title defence, with names such as Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Dinh Bac leading the charge.

At Vietnam’s victory over Malaysia in March, Kim Sang Sik expressed satisfaction with the partnership between Hoang Hen and Xuan Son. The South Korean coach even stated that he had identified the most effective positions and roles for the two naturalized players.

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Hoang Hen and Xuan Son have added significant firepower to Vietnam’s attack. Photo: S.N

During the next training camp ahead of ASEAN Cup 2026, Kim Sang Sik is expected to introduce another attacking option by pairing Dinh Bac with Xuan Son for the first time, while Hoang Hen operates in a supporting role behind them.

Dinh Bac’s return is expected to make Vietnam’s frontline even more dangerous, especially when the CAHN forward combines with high-quality teammates such as Xuan Son and Hoang Hen.

Vietnam possess a number of star players, but Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Dinh Bac are widely expected to provide the difference compared with ASEAN Cup 2024. At the previous tournament, Vietnam relied heavily on Xuan Son. This time, however, the defending champions are shaping into a new version of themselves - more dangerous and far more versatile in attack.

Kim Sang Sik can place considerable trust in the trio, as all three players are currently in strong form and eager to contribute. Nevertheless, if Vietnam are to become a truly formidable team capable of retaining their title, the collective contribution of the entire squad will remain the most important factor.

Dai Nam