A “pleasant headache” for coach Kim Sang Sik

Coach Kim Sang Sik currently holds what could be described as a “luxury problem”: a highly talented U22 Vietnam squad full of proven players and newcomers eager to shine.

In addition to key figures who previously won the Southeast Asian U23 Championship, the Korean strategist now has over a dozen other players - both new and returning - who were absent from the recent tournament in Indonesia for various reasons.

These athletes have demonstrated their quality across multiple domestic levels, from the V-League to the First Division, and are now ready to compete head-to-head for a spot in the SEA Games-bound squad.

Thanks to this deep and well-rounded roster, U22 Vietnam is seen as a strong contender to claim gold at SEA Games 33.

Fierce competition for the final 23

This abundance of choices has turned the selection process into a highly competitive and demanding battle. Even players who have already proven themselves are not guaranteed spots, as Coach Kim continues to scout emerging talents.

A notable case is overseas Vietnamese midfielder Tran Thanh Trung, who recently made his starting debut and delivered an assist after returning from the V-League.

The surplus of strong candidates has made the final 23-man squad an extremely difficult goal to reach. In several positions, the skill levels are nearly identical, fostering a healthy and transparent environment of fair competition.

One clear example is the goalkeeper race between Trung Kien and Van Viet. Both have displayed excellent form and consistency in the V-League, posing a significant dilemma for Coach Kim as he evaluates his options.

This intense competition will not only allow Kim Sang Sik to select the best possible lineup for the SEA Games but also serve as a solid foundation for the upcoming AFC U23 Championship.

While this level of internal contest is a positive sign, it also creates pressure for the coaching staff, who must make precise decisions for two campaigns seen as critical milestones in Vietnam’s football journey.

Duy Nguyen