The Vietnam national team could see significant improvements if head coach Kim Sang Sik successfully integrates Khuat Van Khang into his tactical system during this training camp.

A new and improved Khuat Van Khang

The 2024/25 V-League season has been a breakout campaign for Khuat Van Khang at The Cong Viettel. He has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers, showcasing his attacking prowess.

After 16 matches, including 13 starts, the young forward has scored three goals and provided one assist. He also ranks among the team’s top players in minutes played, an impressive feat for a player under 22 years old.

Compared to last season, Khuat Van Khang has shown remarkable progress, largely due to the trust of coach Duc Thang, who has deployed him in his preferred attacking roles - either as a forward or a left-wing midfielder.

With his strong performances at the club level, fans are eager to see if Khuat Van Khang can carry that momentum into the Vietnam national team, helping them secure victories in the upcoming matches against Cambodia and Laos.

Can coach Kim Sang Sik solve the tactical puzzle?

For those who have followed Khuat Van Khang’s development from the U16 to the U23 national teams, it’s clear that he excels in attacking play rather than defensive responsibilities.

This has been evident in the senior national team as well. When deployed as a left-winger in formations like 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, Khuat Van Khang has impressed with his offensive contributions. However, he has often struggled with defensive duties, making mistakes when tracking back.

Interestingly, he faces fewer defensive issues at the club level. The reason is simple: at The Cong Viettel, he is not required to focus on defensive work, as full-back Tuan Tai covers that role behind him.

This imbalance between attack and defense makes Khuat Van Khang a difficult tactical challenge for Kim Sang Sik, particularly as modern football demands versatility from both defenders and attackers.

For example, in the ASEAN Cup, players like Tien Linh and Xuan Son frequently dropped deep to support the defense. Similarly, defenders are expected to contribute to the attack. Achieving this balance is crucial for Vietnam’s tactical setup.

Before waiting for Kim Sang Sik to find the perfect solution, Khuat Van Khang may need to refine his game further - enhancing his defensive awareness while maintaining his attacking flair. If he succeeds, he could become a vital player for the Vietnam national team in the years to come.

Duy Nguyen