Chinese newspaper wary of 1m95 center back of U22 Vietnam
Page 163 assesses that Dinh Quang Kiet, 1m95 tall, can make a difference for U22 Vietnam at Panda Cup 2025, especially in the air, when many pillars of U22 China are under 1m90.
U22 Vietnam entered the Panda Cup 2025 with an easily seen support: the 1m95 height of young central defender Dinh Quang Kiet. Page 163 (China) believes that this could be the factor that forces U22 China to adjust its plan to defend high balls and prevent set pieces.
Highlights: 1m95 "defensive tower" and the threat of high balls
Article from 163 clearly stated that U22 Vietnam can take full advantage of Dinh Quang Kiet in corner kicks and free kicks. The original comment: "U22 Vietnam can take advantage of Dinh Quang Kiet's height to create pressure in set pieces". With a 1m95 center back, the advantage of approaching the landing point and aerial reach is clearly different at the U22 level.
Dinh Quang Kiet (18 years old, HAGL) was a mainstay of the Vietnam U17 team before moving from defensive midfielder to central defender. His adaptability to the position, combined with his physical foundation, helped him be described by Chinese media as a potential “golden shield” for youth levels.
Panda Cup 2025 Background and Key Competitors
Under coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam U22 is preparing carefully for the 2025 Panda Cup in Chengdu, facing China U22, Uzbekistan U22 and South Korea U22. According to 163, the physical progress of Vietnam's youth is remarkable, especially in the group of central defenders over 1m90 - something rarely seen before.
Page 163 quotes a notable headline that the new central defender of U22 Vietnam “could make things difficult” for players Xiang Yuwang, Wang Yudong and Kuai Jiwen. In the U22 Chinese defense, names like Peng Xiao, Liu Haofan and Zhang Yixuan are all listed as being under 1m90 tall, which is disadvantageous when it comes to aerial duels. Even strikers like Zhu Pengyu or Liu Chengyu could have trouble in aerial duels.
Bodybuilding comparison and aerial hot spots
At the U22 level, a difference of 5-10 cm is enough to change the way the dead ball is organized: the marker, the starting position, the near/far post attack area. With a "tower" like Dinh Quang Kiet, U22 Vietnam has more options: pulling the opponent's defense back deep, creating space in the second line, or aiming the high ball directly into the 5m50 area.
163's assessment emphasizes the system: if the opponent does not have a defender squad with the standard height, they will have to use double-markers or change the method of zonal defense. That is the tactical advantage that U22 Vietnam can proactively suggest.
Coach Kim Sang-sik's approach: discipline, technical and physical balance
According to 163, coach Kim Sang-sik is highly regarded for his ability to build a disciplined squad, prioritizing the balance between technique and physical strength. His presence along with legendary goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae in the coaching staff brings a young but well-organized and modern team. In that picture, a 1m95 center-back helps increase the range of options: from pressing the second ball to deploying from the back after aerial duels.
Diversity of personnel: Viktor Le, Vadim Nguyen and physical depth
In addition to Dinh Quang Kiet, U22 Vietnam also has two naturalized players of Russian origin, Viktor Le and Vadim Nguyen. According to Chinese media, if they maximize their physical strength and aerial play, U22 Vietnam is capable of creating surprises against strong opponents at the Panda Cup 2025.
Broader implications for Vietnamese youth football
Page 163 concludes: “The appearance of 'defensive towers' like Dinh Quang Kiet is helping U22 Vietnam get closer to the level of the top teams in Asia. This will be an opponent that U22 China must be especially wary of.” This is not only a warning for a friendly tournament, but also reflects the trend of developing physical fitness in youth training in Vietnam.
With this progress, 163 believes that the player born in 2007 can become Vietnam's "strategic weapon" not only in the Panda Cup 2025 but also in the 2026 U23 Asia finals.
Related: positive signals from U23 Vietnam
The related article said that Khuat Van Khang just scored a beautiful goal against PVF CAND in round 11 of V-League 2025/26, thereby announcing good news before the U23 Vietnam team gathering day. In the general picture, the young pieces are showing their readiness, from personal ability to physical foundation.
