Coach Kim Sang Sik has called up three new players, including one to replace Van Truong.

The U22 Vietnam team has added three players from Ninh Binh to their SEA Games 33 training camp, with Tran Thanh Trung considered a replacement for Van Truong – who recently suffered an injury at the Panda Cup. The 28-player squad announced by coach Kim Sang Sik on the afternoon of November 21st retains the core group and increases depth in both the midfield and attack.

All three grafts originated from Ninh Binh.

In addition to the group of players who have been playing together for a year, coach Kim Sang Sik has added three promising talents: Nguyen Le Phat, Tran Thanh Trung, and Nguyen Duc Viet. Notably, all three play for Ninh Binh – the team currently leading the V-League 2025/26 despite being newly promoted.

Tran Thanh Trung: An immediate solution to the void left by Van Truong.

The Vietnamese-born midfielder, born in 2005, is showing remarkable maturity at Ninh Binh with his intelligent playing style, creative ball handling, and ability to influence the game. He has left his mark with important assists in victories against Becamex Ho Chi Minh City and PVF CAND.

Having previously been left out of the squad for the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers due to a lack of integration, his inclusion this time reflects coach Kim Sang Sik's high regard for his long-term potential. If he maintains his progress, Thanh Trung could compete for a spot in the tournament.

Le Phat: speed and decisiveness to revitalize the attack.

Among the young players, the 18-year-old striker stands out for his speed, ability to make a difference in his ball control, and decisiveness when finishing. His achievements at the youth level are impressive: he won the U17, U19, and U21 National Championships with PVF, and was named Best Player of the 2025 U21 National Championship.

In the V-League, Le Phat once assisted Gia Hung's goal in the thrilling victory against SLNA in early November. Calling him up shows a desire to increase attacking depth, as the current strikers sometimes fail to meet expectations.

Nguyen Duc Viet: Talent needs a consistent pace in competition.

Once considered one of the most promising central midfielders, Duc Viet has been significantly affected by injuries in recent years. His absence from the V-League this season highlights his need to regain his fitness and match fitness.

Despite having to compete with promising midfielders like Van Khang, Viktor Le, Minh Phuc, and Phi Hoang, Duc Viet's advantage is that he is already familiar with the national team environment, understands tactical requirements, and has integrated into the team's playing style.

Plan for SEA Games 33: Stabilize the core team, reinforce weaknesses.

With limited preparation time remaining, continuing to give opportunities to proven players is considered reasonable. The three additions from Ninh Binh give coach Kim Sang Sik more options: a replacement for Van Truong in midfield, a fast-paced forward, and a highly-rated central midfielder who needs to regain his rhythm.

Key points to note

• The list of 28 players for the Vietnam U22 team was announced on the afternoon of November 21st in preparation for the 33rd SEA Games.
• Three more players from Ninh Binh have been added: Le Phat, Tran Thanh Trung, and Nguyen Duc Viet.
• Tran Thanh Trung was chosen to fill Van Truong's position after his injury at the Panda Cup.
• Le Phat increases attacking depth; Duc Viet needs time to regain form due to a prolonged injury.
• The human resources strategy prioritizes stabilizing the core team and strengthening key positions.

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