Vietnam vs Laos: Xuan Son returns, optimal lineup

At 7:00 p.m. on November 19, the Vietnamese team met Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a clear message: stabilize the playing style with a familiar framework and increase the output quality thanks to the return of Xuan Son after 10 months of absence due to injury. In the context of the entire U23 force being busy with the 33rd SEA Games, the list of 23 players still revealed a highly cohesive squad that coach Kim Sang Sik had built since the 2024 AFF Cup.

The fulcrum from the goal to the defense of three central defenders

With Filip Nguyen absent and Trung Kien focusing on the U23 team, Dang Van Lam is almost certain to start. The debates about his ability to play barefoot overshadow the value of his experience and reflexes – factors that help the defense system feel more secure at turning points.

In front of Van Lam is the central defender trio of Bui Tien Dung - Thanh Chung - Duy Manh, a structure that has been tested throughout the AFF Cup 2024. Thanh Chung's return, after a period of ups and downs in form, has a balancing effect: his ability to read situations and organize defense helps Vietnam control transitions - especially important when facing opponents who tend to play low like Laos.

Two sides as launching pads: Pendant Quang Vinh - Truong Tien Anh

The left wing is the main attacking direction. Pendant Quang Vinh maintains high performance with speed, stride and quality of crossing - parameters that help Vietnam stretch the opponent's defense. Although Van Vi or Tuan Tai are competing options, safety and stability make Quang Vinh the priority choice.

On the right, Truong Tien Anh creates rhythm with his ability to continuously attack and defend. In the modern wing-back role, the intensity of movement and collision is the top criteria, which Tien Anh meets well. Van Do is present in the list but it is difficult to surpass him at this time.

Center axis: Hoang Duc keeps the rhythm, Thanh Long makes up for the space

Hoang Duc is the rhythmic regulator: distributing the cards, connecting the defense and attack and guiding the ball forward. Beside him, Le Pham Thanh Long takes on the role of “engine”, operating wide to fill the gaps when the team does not use a pure holding midfielder. This combination helps Vietnam maintain control and limit gaps between the lines.

Options like Quang Hai or Bao Toan lean towards creativity, but in a match where coach Kim needs balance, Thanh Long is more suitable for tactical requirements.

Highlights of the attack: Xuan Son and the solution at the end of the field

Xuan Son’s return after 10 months was a timely boost. He was confirmed to be capable of playing from the start, bringing the necessary skillset for a striker: holding the ball as a wall, moving intelligently in and behind the defense, and finishing in a variety of ways. When facing a low block, Xuan Son’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces and choose his position can make all the difference.

The two satellites around him are likely to be Van Vi and Hai Long. Van Vi is a defender but supports the attack well, spreading the wings and creating space for his teammates to run through. Hai Long is perfecting the modern “number 10” role – connecting, creating a triangle of coordination and penetrating the penalty area when needed. This trio, if in sync, will significantly increase the number of quality touches in the final third of the field.

Approach: keep structure, increase rhythm and output quality

Against Laos, the pressure of the result is not too great, but this is an important test for Vietnam to stabilize the structure: a three-man defense as the foundation, two wide players creating width, the central axis keeping the rhythm - making up for the space, and the front optimizing the first touches of the striker. This thinking continues the construction from the AFF Cup 2024, helping the team maintain continuity in the playing style.

In transition, the priority is to quickly recover the ball in the opponent's half and then attack the left wing - where Pendant Quang Vinh is having a good crossing efficiency - or exploit the space behind the full-back with Xuan Son's movements. When needing to slow down, Vietnam can pull the formation back to 5 defenders, stay safe and wait for the opportunity from the set piece.

The framework towards the match against Laos

It is a group of enough experience and freshness to aim for stability. More importantly, the return of Xuan Son opens up more ending options for the "Golden Dragons" - something the team really needs when entering the long journey of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

CTVX