Foreign players – A key to new tactical approaches in V.League 2025
The changes in foreign player policy this season are breathing new life into the V.League. With teams allowed to register more foreign players, Vietnam's top league is witnessing notable changes in tactics, playing style, and personnel arrangements from coaches.
A trend that is becoming popular atV.LeagueThis involves using the formula of "three foreign players spread evenly across three lines" – consisting of a center-back, a central midfielder, and a striker. According to statistics after the first few rounds, as many as 8 out of 14 teams regularly apply this arrangement in their starting lineup.
The reason is simple: With a domestic squad that isn't particularly outstanding, strengthening the backbone with three foreign players in key positions creates a balance between attack and defense. The foreign center-back provides stability, the central midfielder controls the game, and the foreign striker is always the spearhead for creating breakthroughs.
A fourth foreign player, if used, usually plays a supplementary role depending on the developments on the field. Most teams choose a striker or attacking midfielder to increase attacking pressure when they need to score a goal, or to change the formation to maintain control of the game when they have an advantage.
However, coaches are not rigid in their approach to using foreign players. Depending on the opponent, the form of each player, and the specific goals of each match, they are willing to adapt their tactics to maximize effectiveness.
For clubs with a quality squad of domestic players, the way they use foreign players is more flexible and "liberal".
Ninh Binh FC is a prime example. This V.League newcomer doesn't hide its ambition to create a surprise, and that's clearly evident in their team selection. With a midfield comprised of experienced players like Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Duc Chien, Dung Quang Nho, and Chau Ngoc Quang, the team from the ancient capital doesn't need to use foreign players in midfield. Instead, they opt for one foreign center-back and two foreign strikers to enhance their finishing ability.
SimilarlyThe CongViettel, possessing top Vietnamese center-backs like Nguyen Thanh Binh and Bui Tien Dung, along with the addition of overseas Vietnamese Kyle Corona and two speedy full-backs Phan Tuan Tai and Truong Tien Anh, can be confident in their defense. This allows them to utilize foreign players further up the field, aiming for a proactive and powerful attacking style of play.
With the permission to register six foreign players due to participation in continental tournaments, Hanoi Police and Nam Dinh Green Steel have more options at their disposal. These are two of the few teams in the V.League currently that possess both a strong domestic squad and depth in foreign players.
Having more options allows the coaches of both teams to easily rotate and change personnel to ensure fitness and form for each stage. At the same time, tactical adaptability is significantly improved, creating a major advantage in crucial matches.
The most unconventional club is undoubtedly Hai Phong FC. Despite not possessing a particularly strong squad of domestic players, the team from the port city has still made its mark with its distinctive ball-control style. Under the coaching of Chu Dinh Nghiem, Hai Phong FC registers two foreign midfielders and two foreign forwards, and frequently uses two midfielders and one forward in their starting lineup.
This helpsHai Phong ClubThey have gained control of the midfield – an area that has always been their Achilles' heel in previous seasons. With a powerful foreign midfield duo possessing refined ball-handling skills, the team from Hai Phong is playing more smoothly, better organized, and creating more innovative attacking options.
It can be said that allowing more foreign players to be registered has created a healthier and more diverse competitive environment in the V.League. No longer are teams overly dependent on a few individuals; now, clubs can be more proactive in dealing with situations such as injuries, suspensions, or dips in form.
This innovation not only makes matches more exciting but also opens up opportunities for coaches to showcase their tactical skills, adapt their strategies, and maximize the potential of their players. The V.League is gradually becoming a more professional and strategic playing field – something Vietnamese football fans have been hoping for for many years.