Chinese newspaper concerned about 1m95 'tower' of U22 Vietnam
Page 163 commented that 18-year-old central defender Dinh Quang Kiet, 1m95 tall, could be a weapon for U22 Vietnam at Panda Cup 2025, creating an advantage in air combat against U22 China.
Page 163 (China) pays special attention to the list of U22 Vietnam participating in Panda Cup 2025, emphasizing that 18-year-old central defender Dinh Quang Kiet (HAGL), 1m95 tall, can become a fulcrum in aerial combat and cause many difficulties for U22 China. According to this source, U22 Vietnam under coach Kim Sang-sik can make the most of high-ball and set-piece situations to make a difference.
Body Highlights: Dinh Quang Kiet 1m95, 18 years old
At the age of 18 (born in 2007), Dinh Quang Kiet is described by Page 163 as a special factor of U22 Vietnam at Panda Cup 2025. With a height of 1m95, the central defender of HAGL is expected to help the red team increase their advantage in aerial combat and disputes. This source also believes that Kiet can become a "strategic weapon" of Vietnam in the 2026 U23 Asian Finals.
The air combat problem of U22 China
Page 163 points out the difference in physique at the hot spots. The U22 Chinese defense, with names like Peng Xiao, Liu Haofan and Zhang Yixuan all under 1m90, faces a disadvantage when competing for the ball in the air. Up front, forwards like Zhu Pengyu and Liu Chengyu are also rated lower in terms of aerial ability.
| Player/team | Height/Rating (as per Page 163) |
|---|---|
| Dinh Quang Kiet (U22 Vietnam) | 1m95 |
| China U22 defenders (Peng Xiao, Liu Haofan, Zhang Yixuan) | Under 1m90 |
| China U22 strikers (Zhu Pengyu, Liu Chengyu) | Underrated in air combat |
Tactical implications for U22 Vietnam
According to Page 163, U22 Vietnam can adjust their approach to make the most of Dinh Quang Kiet's physical strength. This includes increasing high-level passes, organizing set pieces to target the opponent's space in the air and increasing pressure in areas prone to collision. With a tall "anchor" in the center of the defense, Vietnam also has more options to relieve pressure with long balls and organize counter-attacks from second-down situations.
Panda Cup 2025 Background
Page 163 said that U22 Vietnam is seriously preparing for the 2025 Panda Cup taking place in China, where coach Kim Sang-sik and his team will face:
- China U22
- U22 Uzbekistan
- U22 Korea
In the context of Asian opponents possessing a physical foundation and tactical discipline, a 1m95 center-back helps Vietnam expand its "toolkit" in both defense and attack in set-piece situations.
Names mentioned on the U22 China side
Page 163's article even mentioned players like Xiang Yuwang, Wang Yudong and Kuai Jiwen in the title, showing the level of interest in the ability to cause trouble for Dinh Quang Kiet and U22 Vietnam.
Impact beyond the Panda Cup
In the long term, Page 163 believes that the appearance of "defensive towers" like Dinh Quang Kiet is helping U22 Vietnam improve both in terms of physique and playing style. Not just a friendly tournament, Panda Cup 2025 is considered a test for tactical adjustments that can be brought to the continental arena, including the 2026 AFC U23 Championship Finals.
