Tuyển Việt Nam
Nguyen Dinh Bac has made rapid progress in the Vietnam national team.

Dinh Bac's growing influence in Vietnam's national team

Having previously served as vice-captain of the Vietnam national football team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, Nguyen Dinh Bac has seen his standing rise significantly under head coach Kim Sang Sik.

Once regarded as a promising young talent, the striker born in 2004 has gradually established himself as an important figure in the South Korean coach's plans.

His rise is hardly surprising. At the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Dinh Bac scored five goals, sharing the tournament's Golden Boot award with Nguyen Xuan Son, while also being named the competition's best player.

Those performances help explain why Kim continued to place his trust in Dinh Bac at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, even appointing him vice-captain despite having several more experienced and established figures in the dressing room.

With Vietnam preparing for November friendlies against Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan, Dinh Bac is now expected to become the team's main attacking figure in the absence of Nguyen Quang Hai, Nguyen Hoang Duc and Xuan Son.

Yet delivering outstanding performances and becoming a leader are two very different challenges.

His new responsibilities demand more than technical ability or match-winning contributions. Dinh Bac must also demonstrate consistency, composure and the ability to act as a bridge between his teammates and the coaching staff.

Keeping expectations from becoming a burden

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Head coach Kim Sang Sik is placing his trust in Dinh Bac as a potential new leader of the national team.

Following his success at the ASEAN Cup, Dinh Bac is no longer simply a young player capable of surprising opponents. He has become a recognised threat whom rival teams closely monitor and supporters expect to deliver whenever Vietnam take the field.

With Xuan Son unavailable, much of the responsibility for creating attacking breakthroughs could fall on Dinh Bac's shoulders.

The absence of influential playmakers such as Hoang Duc and Quang Hai also means the young forward will need to take greater initiative in linking up with teammates and helping the team's attacking moves flow.

Another concern is his demanding schedule. Dinh Bac has recently faced a heavy workload for both club and country, raising the risk of fatigue if too many responsibilities continue to fall on him.

Pressure, of course, is an inevitable part of a footballer's development.

The upcoming friendly tournament offers Dinh Bac an opportunity to demonstrate that he can lead through his performances, positively influence those around him and contribute beyond moments of individual brilliance.

After all, no football team can depend entirely on one player, regardless of how talented that individual may be.

Dinh Bac has the potential to emerge as a new leader for Vietnam, but the more important question is not how much responsibility he can carry.

It is how Kim Sang Sik can help him grow into that role while ensuring the team continues to progress together.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and organisers of the Casper Cup 2026 have announced plans for direct ticket sales to supporters wishing to attend matches at Thien Truong Stadium.

Tickets will be available at the ticket counter near Stand D of the stadium from 9am on November 9 until 7pm on November 11.

Three ticket categories are available, priced at VND200,000 (approximately US$8), VND300,000 (US$12) and VND400,000 (US$16).

The VFF has also advised supporters not to bring flares, sharp objects or other prohibited items into the stadium and has encouraged responsible, respectful support for Kim Sang Sik's team throughout the tournament.

Duy Nguyen