A powerful frontline

Looking at the current attacking options, it is fair to say the coach holds an enviable arsenal.

The standout name is Nguyen Dinh Bac, whose explosive form has captured attention. Scoring seven goals in just four recent matches, the young striker is not only delivering impressive numbers but also showing confidence and sharp finishing instincts at their peak.

Alongside him, Hoang Hen continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency, remaining the Vietnamese player with the highest goal tally in the V-League. Meanwhile, Xuan Son appears to be rediscovering his scoring touch after a period of struggle.

Elsewhere, Hai Long and particularly Viet Cuong are also emerging as viable attacking options for upcoming competitions.

Can it translate into goals?

However, in football, having standout individuals does not always translate into effective goal-scoring as a unit.

Back in March, expectations centered on the duo of Hoang Hen and Xuan Son, once considered a nightmare pairing for defenses in the V-League.

Yet, that connection has yet to fully re-emerge. Both players performed well in victories over Bangladesh and Malaysia, but their on-field understanding remains a work in progress after a long period playing for different clubs.

Their case highlights a broader truth: chemistry cannot be built overnight, even when players are in top form and possess high-level experience.

Complicating matters further, tactical systems and playing styles at club level often differ significantly from those of the national team. Expecting Nguyen Dinh Bac, despite his current brilliance, to seamlessly combine with Hoang Hen or Xuan Son right away may be unrealistic.

The forwards need time to understand each other’s movement, habits, and positioning. Only then can they truly flourish together and deliver goals for the team and for Coach Kim Sang Sik.

Still, there is a clear positive signal: Vietnam now has multiple attackers in strong form. At the very least, this reduces concerns over personnel in the final third.

Turning that potential into consistent goals, however, will depend on time, experimentation, and the coach’s ability to build cohesion among his attacking players in the matches ahead.

Duy Nguyen