Coach Kim Sang-sik plans to use Xuan Son as a substitute against Laos.
The Vietnamese national team is preparing to face Laos: two practice matches in Viet Tri and Vientiane showed that Xuan Son is not yet in the starting lineup. Coach Kim prioritizes preserving his fitness, testing Viet Cuong and Gia Hung, and considering him as a backup option for the second half.
Just before the match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, signs from training suggest that Nguyen Xuan Son is likely to start on the bench. Coach Kim Sang-sik's decision prioritizes the safety of the striker who has just returned after nearly a year of injury, while also paving the way for long-term attacking options for the Vietnamese national team.
Xuan Son is being kept on the bench to protect his physical condition and optimize the impact.
Coach Kim Sang-sik has no doubt about Xuan Son's ability; this is a strategic move to reduce the risk of injury recurrence and maximize performance. Xuan Son can come on in the second half when the opponent's stamina decreases and gaps appear in the defense.
Strategy from the training ground: clear indicators
In the two most recent practice sessions — one in Viet Tri and one in Vientiane — Xuan Son was not included in what was considered the starting lineup. This indicates that the coaching staff is not yet ready to place immediate pressure on a player who has just recovered from injury.
Second round card
Keeping Xuan Son on the bench for the second half gives the team more variables: his finishing ability and positioning can change the pace of the game when the opponent's intensity decreases.
The attacking dilemma: diversification instead of dependence.
The two previous matches against Nepal exposed the problems: a lack of tactical diversity, a stalemate against a deep defensive block, and a reliance on individual moments from players like Hoang Duc or Hai Long. Coach Kim doesn't want to bet everything on a single return, even if it's Xuan Son.
He has called up young strikers who are in good form in the V-League, such as Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong and Pham Gia Hung. In particular, Viet Cuong, with his flexible movement, is expected to provide a solution to break down the opponent's defensive structure, adding more options instead of relying solely on one striker.
The dressing room is supportive, and the performance data remains significant.
Xuan Son's influence is undeniable: 7 goals in 5 matches at the 2024 AFF Cup remain a benchmark for his class. Newcomer Khong Minh Gia Bao called Xuan Son a "top-class striker," while frankly admitting that his senior teammate "is in the process of regaining his best form." This assessment is consistent with the current reality.
Dual objectives ahead of Laos and a long-term plan.
The match against Laos is not just about securing three points. It's also an opportunity to test a new attacking structure and help Xuan Son regain his rhythm while controlling risks. As commentator Quang Huy noted, this is a necessary stepping stone towards tougher opponents, such as Malaysia in March 2026.
| Key indicator | Information |
|---|---|
| The confrontation | In Viet Tri and Vientiane, Xuan Son was not in the starting lineup. |
| Recent achievements | 7 goals in 5 matches at the AFF Cup 2024 |
| Usage plan | Enter the second half to reduce risk and increase effectiveness. |
| Long-term goals | Prepare for a challenge like Malaysia's in March 2026. |
Strategic message
Coach Kim Sang-sik's approach to player selection reflects his commitment to building a deep, diverse attacking line-up that prioritizes player fitness. Xuan Son remains a formidable weapon, but he is used at the right time to serve the team's long-term goals.
