Coach Kim Sang Sik is set to give priority to young players in the upcoming Vietnam national team camp, as the Korean strategist focuses on long-term development rather than short-term solutions.

From Dinh Bac

Following the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals, Dinh Bac continues to command attention with his performances for CAHN in the AFC Champions League Two.

Although he could not help his club progress - and had two goals ruled out across both legs (including a 0-3 forfeit in the first leg and a VAR disallowance in the return match) - the 2004-born forward still delivered an impressive showing.

Dinh Bac is proving that Vietnam’s young players are no longer “too young.”

More importantly, Dinh Bac is not alone. Several members of the Vietnam U23 squad that secured third place at the continental tournament have returned to their clubs and continued to perform strongly.

Their progress underlines that this generation is gradually transitioning toward the senior national team and could soon compete for regular starting positions.

The time for youth?

The rise of players such as Dinh Bac, Van Khang and Trung Kien is not a rushed move but a natural progression.

First, senior players are inevitably creating space for the next generation. While the experience and class of stars like Hoang Duc and Quang Hai remain valuable - and in many respects still superior - coach Kim Sang Sik has reason to prioritize players who have already worked closely with him and achieved success at youth level.

Second, Vietnamese football is aiming for bigger and more distant objectives. A ticket to the 2030 World Cup finals is no longer an impossible dream. To realize that ambition, preparation must begin now.

A younger Vietnam squad, filled with hunger and given early exposure to international competition, could provide the solid foundation needed for that long journey.

Concerns about “rushing the process” are understandable. However, such risks can be mitigated through balanced squad planning, including the continued presence of experienced leaders and potential reinforcement from naturalized players.

Still, time moves forward. Watching Dinh Bac and his teammates confidently step onto bigger stages suggests that the era of youth in the Vietnam national team may indeed be approaching.

Duy Nguyen