Vietnam national team rookie: From shoe seller to mysterious factor of coach Park

Born in 1998, Tien Anh has a modest height of 1m65 from Thach Thanh, Thanh Hoa province. He participated in the recruitment for the 2nd course of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Academy, entered the final round with Dinh Thanh Binh and Hoang Thanh Tung but was not selected. Sad because he could not go to the mountain town, Tien Anh took the exam and was immediately accepted into Viettel's training center. After that, he was one of the students who made a strong impression on his coaches.

Le Tien Anh was targeted by coach Park to fill the position left by Do Hung Dung. Photo: VFF

Everything seemed to be going smoothly, but in a match in the Second Division with Viettel's youth team, a partial ligament tear, although not requiring surgery, interrupted Tien Anh's path to building his dream of becoming a professional football player.

Before coming to Binh Dinh, Le Tien Anh suffered a very serious injury. He planned to retire from football and at one point, Tien Anh sold shoes to help his family, before returning to his greatest passion. After finding himself again at the Binh Phuoc First Division team, Le Tien Anh was given a chance by coach Nguyen Duc Thang at the Binh Dinh martial arts team.

Nguyen Duc Thang's faith was duly rewarded. Le Tien Anh did not play enough matches for Binh Dinh due to injury, but in the match he did play, this small midfielder played very well thanks to his tireless activity, effective coverage and interception ability, and very good personal technical foundation.

CoachPark Hang-seoand the assistants have all witnessed Tien Anh play with their own eyes, knowing the qualities of this midfielder. Joining the Vietnam national team, he will have the opportunity to play alongside Tuan Anh - a player he admires very much. Above all, this new player will be one of the solutions that Mr. Park aims to replace the absence of Do Hung Dung.

Right in the first time being called up to the Vietnam national team, Le Tien Anh had the opportunity to be in the list of 25 players going to Saudi Arabia to prepare for the first match at the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar. The midfielder born in 1998 admitted that he felt very surprised and happy when Coach Park Hang-seo put his name on the list of players.

Rookie Le Tien Anh revealed that he was tested by coach Park Hang-seo in many different positions on the Vietnam national team. Photo: VFF

Le Tien Anh revealed that he is being tested in different positions in the Vietnam National Team: "The teachers taught me a lot and also learned from the experienced players and trainers in the Vietnam National Team, from how to move, run, coordinate and connect with teammates to have the best efficiency."

“I see that in the team there are many players who are not tall and strong, but that disadvantage will be compensated by other strengths. The coach not only put me in the position of central midfielder but also in other positions.”

Le Tien Anh admitted to taking Tuan Anh as a role model on the football field. Photo: VFF

Being with his idol, Tien Anh admitted that he was shy at first but after getting used to it, they became more open with each other. This player also wanted to ask for Tuan Anh's hair band as a souvenir but now, his senior on the national team no longer uses it.

“I don’t have much skill, just a little technique, everything else is normal. If I am put on the field, I will try to perform my best, do the best for the team, do exactly what the coach asks to help the team get the best results” – Le Tien Anh shared.

The match between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia in the 3rd World Cup Qualifiers - Asia Zone will take place at 1:00 a.m. on September 3.