New names on the radar

According to the plan, right after the conclusion of V-League Round 24, the Vietnam national team will regroup in preparation for their key away game against Malaysia on June 10.

Given the current situation, it’s likely that Coach Kim Sang Sik won’t have his strongest lineup for what is predicted to be a challenging visit to Bukit Jalil Stadium.

The team is dealing with multiple issues, including injuries to key players such as Vi Hao, Xuan Son, and Tan Tai. Others, like Quang Hai, may struggle to reach peak form after a grueling match schedule.

Compounding the situation, the final rounds of the V-League are proving increasingly intense, raising injury risks for players involved in fierce end-of-season battles.

In light of these difficulties, several players have emerged as promising candidates for national team inclusion, including Lam Ti Phong (Nam Dinh), Huu Thang (The Cong Viettel), Mach Ngoc Ha (CAHN), Ho Van Cuong (SLNA), and Viktor Le. These players have received praise from experts for their performances and potential.

Ready to call, but not necessarily to play

Despite the talent on display, Coach Kim Sang Sik is likely to prioritize experienced players to maintain stability, especially with limited time to prepare - similar to the March training camp.

Thus, the inclusion of new faces will mainly serve a long-term strategic purpose: laying the groundwork for the national team’s future, rather than expecting them to feature in the June clash against Malaysia.

What’s notable is Coach Kim Sang Sik’s openness in player selection. He’s not bound by reputation and is willing to give opportunities to those who show strong form, fighting spirit, and tactical suitability.

Restructuring the squad during this brief training window will be no easy task, particularly under the pressure of achieving results. However, if Coach Kim dares to trust and develop these new puzzle pieces, Vietnam’s national team could step into a new phase with a fresher, more vibrant identity.

Duy Nguyen