Coach Kim Sang Sik recalls Xuan Son, preparing to meet Laos
Coach Kim Sang Sik summoned Nguyen Xuan Son for the match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers even though the striker has not played an official match for nearly 10 months, in order to increase competition in the attack.
Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision to recall Nguyen Xuan Son to the list of 26 players for the Vietnam national team's match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers has created a hot topic of debate: should a striker who has just recovered from injury and has not played an official match for nearly 10 months return to the national team right now?
Why the decision is controversial
According to data from the training camp, Xuan Son has only returned through a few friendly matches at the club level and has not had any official minutes of play in nearly 10 months. For a striker, ball feel, playing tempo and situational reflexes are decisive factors. Calling up a player who has not accumulated enough minutes of high intensity always carries risks: the risk of re-injury and difficulty in achieving the desired form when the intensity of the national team is very high.
Possible reason: the offense is slowing down, need competition
Although surprising, Coach Kim Sang Sik's decision still has a basis. The Vietnamese team's attack is considered to have not reached its peak performance, when key strikers such as Tien Linh and Tuan Hai have not stood out. In that context, the appearance of an additional option like Xuan Son can create an internal competitive impulse, thereby activating the overall spirit and performance.
In addition to expertise, this is also a management message: giving a player who was a bright spot at the ASEAN Cup 2024 a chance can rekindle his competitive spirit and create a positive effect in the locker room.
Tactical angle: add rotation options in the forward line
At the tactical level, a returning striker like Xuan Son can help the team be more flexible in personnel selection: from the allocation of playing time to changing the structure of the front line depending on the situation. His presence opens up more options for personnel arrangement in the spearhead role, while increasing the pressure of competition for positions - an important factor when scoring efficiency is not stable.
More importantly, the team has more tools to balance between the goal of results and maintaining the physical condition of the pillars, especially when the density of activities and physical requirements at the team level can easily push players to the point of overload.
Key numbers
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Status | Recovered from injury, ready to play |
| Non-competitive time | Nearly 10 months |
| Club friendly match | A few matches |
| Occasion of the convocation | List of 26 players to play against Laos, 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers |
Psychological impact and the locker room
On his personal page, Xuan Son said he was “proud and happy” to return to the team. Many teammates sent their congratulations. This is a positive signal about the internal atmosphere, especially important when the team needs to improve its attacking performance. Coach Kim Sang Sik’s decision is therefore not only about choosing players, but also about activating the competitive attitude and sense of responsibility.
Match against Laos: the option of using is still open
Xuan Son’s ability to play against Laos is still uncertain. However, his presence alone is enough to increase the competition in the attack and send a message: performance and readiness will determine the starting position. In a period of needing new energy, this is considered a psychologically calculated step, both cautious about physical risks and aiming to renew the team’s competitive motivation.