Foreign players – New tactical key at V.League 2025

A trend that is becoming popular inV.Leagueis the use of the formula “3 foreign players spread evenly across 3 lines” – including a central defender, a central midfielder and a striker. According to statistics after the first rounds, up to 8/14 teams regularly apply this arrangement in the starting lineup.

The reason is simple: With the domestic force not being too outstanding, strengthening the backbone with 3 foreign players in key positions helps create a balance between attack and defense. Foreign central defenders bring solidity, central midfielders control the game, and foreign strikers are always the spearhead to create breakthroughs.

The fourth foreign player, if used, usually plays a supplementary role depending on the situation on the field. Most teams choose a striker or attacking midfielder to increase the attacking pressure when looking for a goal, or change the formation to maintain the game when they have an advantage.

However, coaches do not stick to a stereotype in the way they use foreign players. Depending on the opponent, the form of each player as well as the specific goals of each match, they are ready to change the way they use them to bring maximum efficiency.

For clubs with quality domestic players, the use of foreign players is more flexible and "liberal".

Ninh Binh FC is a typical example. The new V.League team this season does not hide their ambition to create surprises, and that is clearly shown through the way they arrange their squad. With a midfield consisting of experienced names such as Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Duc Chien, Dung Quang Nho or Chau Ngoc Quang, the ancient capital team does not need to use foreign players in midfield. Instead, they choose to use a central defender and two foreign strikers to increase their ability to finish off opponents.

Similar isThe CongViettel, possessing the top central defenders in Vietnam such as Nguyen Thanh Binh, Bui Tien Dung, along with the addition of Vietnamese-American Kyle Corona and two speedy full-backs Phan Tuan Tai and Truong Tien Anh, the Army team can rest assured in defense. Thanks to that, they have the conditions to use foreign players in the front line, aiming for an active and powerful attacking style of play.

With the permission to register 6 foreign players due to participating in continental tournaments, Hanoi Police and Nam Dinh Blue Steel have more options in hand. These are two of the few teams in the V.League today that possess both a strong domestic squad and a depth of foreign players.

Having more options will help the coaches of these two teams easily rotate and change personnel to ensure fitness and performance for each stage. At the same time, the ability to adapt to tactics will also be significantly improved, creating a great advantage in key matches.

The most innovative club is definitely Hai Phong Club. Although not possessing a strong domestic squad, the team from the port city still makes its own mark with its unique ball control style. Under the coaching of Chu Dinh Nghiem, Hai Phong Club registered 2 midfielders, 2 foreign strikers and often uses 2 midfielders and 1 striker in the starting lineup.

This helpsHai Phong Clubcontrol the midfield – an area that has always been their “weak spot” in previous seasons. With a pair of powerful foreign midfielders and the ability to handle the ball delicately, the Hai Phong team is playing more and more smoothly, organizing better and creating more creative attacking options.

It can be said that the registration of more foreign players has created a more healthy and diverse competitive environment in V.League. No longer are teams too dependent on a few individuals, now clubs can be more proactive in dealing with situations such as injuries, penalty cards or decline in performance.

This innovation not only makes matches more attractive, but also opens up opportunities for coaches to demonstrate their leadership skills, ability to adjust tactics and maximize the quality of personnel. V.League is gradually becoming a more professional and strategic playground - something that Vietnamese football fans have been longing for for many years.