Vietnamese players Hoang Thinh and Thanh Luong have been nominated for the Southeast Asian Football Championship-AFF Suzuki Cup Best Player award by Goal Malaysia.

Pham Thanh Luong had previously won the Vietnam player of the year award in 2009 and 2011.

He made a good impression at the AFF Suzuki Cup this year with a fantastic strike from outside the penalty box with his lethal left foot clinching Vietnam's, 3-1, victory over the Philippines.

Midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh comes from the Song Lam Nghe An FC squad. He lit up My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on November 28 after a scorching opening goal from more than 30 metres out through a sea of Filipino defenders and goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old midfield lynchpin is highly valued by coach Toshiya Miura for his combative and high-energy in a team that prizes efficiency in passing and movement. Hoang Thinh epitomizes coach Miura's philosophy and his flicks and passes are aimed at overcoming the opposition within the least amount of time.

Other best player nominees from Southeast Asia include Safiq Rahim (Malaysia), Phil Younghusband (the Philippines), Charyl Chappuis (Thailand) and Chanathip Songkrasin (Thailand). Only three players will be shortlisted as finalists.