Vietnam U23: Viktor Lê and Thành Trung need to prove themselves.
With only one month left until the 2025 SEA Games, coach Kim Sang-sik is making significant rotations in the Vietnam U23 team. Overseas Vietnamese players like Viktor Lê and Trần Thành Trung must prove themselves in the V-League to compete for a starting spot.
With only a month left until the 2025 SEA Games, the Vietnam U23 team is entering a rigorous selection phase. Under coach Kim Sang-sik, the concept of "guaranteed spot" is virtually non-existent: rotation, internal competition, and immediate results are the criteria. In this context, Viktor Le and Tran Thanh Trung – two Vietnamese-born players considered "raw talents" – are facing their final test.
- Competition has increased thanks to coach Kim Sang-sik's constant rotation of players.
- Tran Thanh Trung made an impression with his first start in the 3-1 victory against PVF-CAND.
- Viktor Lê is highly regarded for his long-passing ability and tactical thinking.
The race for a starting spot in the rotating squad.
The U23 Vietnam team currently has a familiar core group of players: goalkeeper Trung Kien, center-backs Hieu Minh and Nhat Minh, defender Phi Hoang, midfielder Xuan Bac, and two forwards Dinh Bac and Thanh Nhan. However, coach Kim Sang-sik does not fix the lineup. He constantly experiments to create a competitive spirit for everyone, including the group of overseas Vietnamese players.
Tran Thanh Trung: energy, pressing, and adaptability
Born in 2005, Tran Thanh Trung played 62 matches for Slavia Sofia in the Bulgarian championship and represented Bulgaria's U17, U19, and U21 teams before returning to Vietnam. His European training background helped him excel in ball control, organization, and maintaining intensity in the midfield.
After four months playing in the V-League, Thanh Trung gradually adapted. In the recent 3-1 victory against PVF-CAND, he made his first start, impressing with his tenacious play, constant movement, and pressing in midfield. This performance earned him the trust of coach Gerald Albadalejo, opening the door for coach Kim Sang-sik to give him a more significant role in the Vietnam U23 team.
Viktor Lê: long passes, tactical thinking, and a test of character.
Having come through the CSKA Moscow academy, Viktor Lê is a special case. He was discovered early by coach Đinh Hồng Vinh during a training camp in China and had to patiently wait until the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers to get a starting position. Despite still facing some challenges in adapting, Viktor has shown strengths in his long passing ability and game reading.
Coach Kim Sang-sik commented: "Viktor has great potential; if he just improves his composure and finishing ability, he can absolutely become a key player." In a highly competitive environment, accurate crosses from the back could be key to Viktor scoring goals.
The door is open, but not automatically for the Vietnamese diaspora.
Squad depth means opportunities are not evenly distributed. Bui Alex has yet to play a minute in Vietnam, while Vadim Nguyen needs more time to adapt to the intensity of local football. The message from the coaching staff is clear: club performance and adaptation are paramount.
Coach Kim Sang-sik affirmed: “I have been following Thanh Trung and understand his potential. Young players need time to prove themselves, but they all have a chance if they maintain their form at the club.”
Current pillars
- Goalkeeper: Trung Kien
- Defenders/Center-backs: Hieu Minh, Nhat Minh, Phi Hoang
- Midfielder: Xuan Bac
- Forwards: Dinh Bac, Thanh Nhan
Quick statistics
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| The timing of the 2025 SEA Games. | There's only one month left until the competition starts. |
| Tran Thanh Trung | Born in 2005; 62 appearances for Slavia Sofia |
| Thanh Trung's recent highlight | Making his first start in the 3-1 win against PVF-CAND. |
| Thanh Trung's adaptation period to the V-League | 4 months |
| Viktor Le | Developed at CSKA Moscow; started in the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. |
Impact towards the 2025 SEA Games
The Vietnam U23 team currently has a balanced personnel structure, combining key domestic players with "new talent" from overseas Vietnamese. If Viktor Lê maintains his composure in final decisions, and Thành Trung continues to bring energy and tempo-controlling ability in midfield, both can increase the team's tactical depth. More importantly, they need to prove themselves with consistent performance week after week – a measure that coach Kim Sang-sik prioritizes.
The race for a starting spot is therefore not just about name recognition or training history. It's a test of adaptability, tactical endurance, and the ability to execute within the framework set by the coaching staff. Those who meet the standards will stay – and could become a game-changer in Vietnam U23's journey at the upcoming SEA Games.