What hope for SLNA's young talents at U23 Vietnam?

But certainly, the 32 players called up that many people know are the most outstanding players in the U23 and over 23 age groups that Mr. Park Hang-seo has just trusted and entrusted.

As for SLNA, the names Van Viet and Van Lam being called this time are a small number compared to the names previously called at different times, including Sy Hoang, Ba Sang, Xuan Tien, Van Cuong, Manh Quynh, Thanh Lam, Khac Luong... When Hai Long, Huu Thang, Xuan Tu, Van Toi... are not called, it is difficult to call the names of the young players mentioned above from SLNA, even though they have real potential. With Xuan Tien or Van Cuong, for example, maybe the next SEA Games in Cambodia will become really "heavyweight" when they turn 21, 22 years old?

Nguyen Van Viet of SLNA Club was summoned by coach Park Hang-seo. Photo courtesy of Hai Hoang

If everything goes smoothly and they can stay on the final list, what hope do Van Viet and Van Lam have at the SEA Games at home? It is not difficult to see that after announcing the list of 27 U23 players and 3 players over 23 years old, Mr. Park Hang-seo and the coaching staffU23 VietnamHow did they “plan” the squad? Furthermore, in the initial announcement, it was quite strange that both Van Viet and Van Lam were placed in the “defender” box while their strengths were central midfielder and winger? Obviously, no one was “wrong” in this “national matter” and many people guessed Mr. Park Hang-seo’s intention when announcing that.

For a long time, the first factors to be called up must be a versatile person, able to play many positions when necessary. This is actually not new and any coach has that minimum requirement for his students. For example, Trong Hoang, it is difficult to say which position this player plays best, so from coach Calistor to Miura or Park Hang-seo, everyone wants him in the squad. And it was coach Park Hang-seo who, with the playing style of 3 central defenders paired with a pair of attacking full-backs, Trong Hoang became even more brilliant despite his age. Xuan Manh or Van Duc survived on the national team thanks to ensuring the necessary versatility in the familiar formation and different times and developments of the team. Xuan Manh had many times played as a central defender in the Vietnam national team (in the away match against Australia) or the Vietnam U23 team in Thuong Chau, although at SLNA this player was originally a winger or an attacking full-back on both the left and right.

Dang Van Lam of SLNA Club was summoned by coach Park Hang-seo. Photo courtesy of Duc Anh

So, when Mr. Park Hang-seo "planned" Van Viet and Van Lam to the defenders, what did he mean? It is not difficult to realize that it is right and beneficial first of all for Van Viet when the defender position in general or the attacking full-back position is this player's forte? Is it necessary to wait because currently, the No. 1 central defender trio of U23 Vietnam is very difficult to slip out of the hands of Thanh Binh, Viet Anh, Manh Dung or Quang Vinh. Meanwhile, the attacking full-back pair almost belongs to Van Xuan on the left - Van Do on the right. This is Van Viet's "box" in Van Do's reserve position if this player reaches his best condition and there is an unusual development with the initial choice?

In the midfield, Mr. Park Hang-seo chose Hung Dung and Hoang Duc to certainly choose the main squad, not to mention Hoang Anh who just took on the role of Captain of U23 is also considered the trio for priority 1. If Van Lam meets the requirements of Mr. Park Hang-seo and the coaching staff, he could be the number 2 or number 3 choice for the attacking or defensive midfielder position thanks to his many years of experience playing in V. League?

Vietnam U23 team in a training session. Photo courtesy of Hai Hoang

Thus, it is difficult to hope that Van Viet or Van Lam will be in the first team of the upcoming U23 Vietnam team. In fact, in recent SEA Games, the fact that SLNA has not been able to contribute excellent players to the U23 team is not new, because this youth training center is gradually falling behind Hanoi, Viettel or PVF. The fact that only Van Viet and Van Lam are on the initial list does not surprise or compare anyone. Hopefully, these two young players will try their best to leave their own mark, making specific contributions to the team even though they only come off the bench. There may not be many opportunities, but if you are lucky enough to meet them, you must have the highest will and determination to win.

The seniors Van Duc and Xuan Manh were once "called back" to go to the 2018 U23 Asian Cup Finals in Changzhou and then made big things happen. So Van Viet and Van Lam, even though they are on the bench, still have a chance to do something, if they are really patient and explode when needed, right young people?