Form takes priority

Following the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik has another opportunity to reassess his options and strengthen the team's attack, particularly with Nguyen Xuan Son, Hoang Hen and Tai Loc facing fitness concerns.

Fortunately for the South Korean coach, several experienced forwards have begun rediscovering their scoring touch in the LPBank V-League.

Among them is Olaha Manh Duc, the Nigerian-born striker who has been making his mark for Ho Chi Minh City Police FC. Nguyen Tien Linh has also returned to the scoresheet after missing several national team campaigns, while Pham Tuan Hai has finally ended his goal drought.

Nguyen Van Tung and Le Phat are two other players who could enter Kim's calculations if they maintain their performances in the coming rounds.

Meanwhile, Thanh Nhan and Xuan Bac have reason to hope for another national team opportunity after delivering relatively encouraging displays in Vietnam's second-tier league.

With genuinely fresh attacking options proving difficult to find, apart from a potential newcomer such as Olaha Manh Duc, turning to experienced players who have started the 2026/27 season in promising form would be a sensible move for Kim.

Their familiarity with international football, combined with renewed confidence at club level, could give Vietnam's attack a much-needed lift.

A call-up is only the beginning

There would be little surprise if Kim decided to bring several in-form players back into the national squad for the training camp in early November.

After all, Vietnam need fresh energy and ambition, even if that comes from familiar faces returning to the fold.

Tien Linh, Tuan Hai and Olaha Manh Duc are all likely to be eager to prove themselves, whether by reclaiming a place in the national team or earning a first appearance.

That determination could help raise competition within the squad, an important consideration as Kim looks to sharpen his attacking options.

Yet securing a place in Vietnam's squad for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup will require considerably more.

Motivation, experience and a strong desire to contribute may help a player earn a recall, but they will not necessarily be enough to secure a place in the final tournament squad.

Players must also demonstrate that they fit Kim's tactical requirements and can outperform rivals competing for the same positions.

That is what makes November's training camp particularly interesting.

For established forwards such as Tien Linh and Tuan Hai, as well as potential new options like Olaha Manh Duc, the challenge goes beyond simply making the squad.

They must show that they can bring something different to Vietnam's attacking play and, more importantly, deliver the effectiveness that has too often been missing from the team's performances.

Ultimately, current form may open the door to a national team return, but proven quality and the ability to make a genuine impact will determine who earns a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup.

Duy Nguyen